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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

^gZ3 


Copyright No. 
Shell 

Uix 


UNITED STATES 


op -A; 


MERICA. 















flb 









































































THE OLD MAN MARCHED DOWN THE STREET WITH SUCH A SWAGGER AS HE EVI“ 
DENTLY BELIEVED BEFITTING A SOLDIER. 

Corporal 'Lige's Recruit , p. 27, 








CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT 


A Story of Crown Point and 
Ticonderoga. 

/ 

By JAMES OTIS. 



With Six Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis. 


NEW YORK' 

A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER. 



v r : V 


<? 


vP 


42235 

Copyright, 1898, by A. L. Burt. 


Copyright, 1899, by A. L. Burt. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 
By James Otis. 





CONTENTS 


CHAPTER I. page 

Recruiting 1 

CHAPTER II. 

A Secluded Camp 29 

CHAPTER III. 

An Unpleasant Surprise 45 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Letter 64 

CHAPTER V. 

Nathan Beman 88 

CHAPTER VI. 

A Squad of Four 112 

CHAPTER VII. 

Ticonderoga 141 

CHAPTER VIII. 

An Interruption 169 

CHAPTER IX. 

A Bold Stroke 204 

CHAPTER X. 

Crown Point 229 


VI 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER XI. page 

Re-enlistment 248 

CHAPTER XII. 

An Encounter 270 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

The old man marched down the street with such a swagger 

as he evidently believed befitting a soldier 27 

“Is it all right. Corporal?” Isaac asked timidly 57 

“Silence in the ranks!” the Colonel said sternly. 104 

“But the Corporal wouldn’t lie,” Isaac said solemnly 114 

Before he could speak, Colonel Allen cried: “I order you 
instantly to surrender, in the name of the Great Jehovah 
and the Continental Congress.”. . . 168 

“So the Fort has been taken by our People,” Captain Baker 
cried, clasping the messenger by the hand 232 














CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER I. 

EECEUITING. 

Theee was great excitement among the 
citizens of the town of Pittsfield in the 
province of Massachusetts on the first day of 
May in the year 1775. 

Master Edward Mott and Noah Phelps, 
forming a committee appointed by the Pro- 
vincial Assembly of Connecticut, had arrived 
on the previous evening charged with an 
important commission, the making known of 
which had so aroused the inhabitants of the 
peaceful settlement that it was as if the 
reports of the muskets fired at Lexington and 
Concord were actually ringing in their ears. 

These two gentlemen had with them a 


2 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


following of sixteen men, equipped as if for 
battle, and the arrival of so large an armed 
body had aroused the curiosity of the good 
people until all were painfully eager to learn 
the reason for what seemed little less than 
an invasion,, 

When it was whispered around that Master 
Mott and Phelps had, immediately upon their 
arrival, inquired for Colonel James Easton 
and Master John Brown, and were even then 
closeted with those citizens, the more know- 
ing ones predicted that this coming had much 
to do with the warlike preparations that 
were making in Boston and New York, 
designed to put a check upon the unlawful 
doings of his majesty the king. 

When morning came, that is to say, on this 
first day of May, it was generally understood 
throughout the settlement that the Provincial 
Assembly of Connecticut had agreed upon a 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


3 


plan to seize the munitions of war at Ticon- 
deroga for the use of that body of men 
known as the American army, then gathered 
at Cambridge and Eoxbury in the province of 
MassachusettSo 

The gossips of Pittsfield stated that one 
thousand dollars had been advanced from 
the Provincial Treasury of Connecticut to 
pay the expenses of the expedition; that the 
sixteen men making up the following of the 
committee were recruits who had pledged 
themselves to capture this important fortress 
which formed the key of communication 
between New York and the Canadas, and 
that they proposed to march through the 
country to Shoreham, opposite Ticonderoga, 
recruiting as they went, with the belief that 
on arriving there their force would be suffi- 
ciently large to capture the fort. 

The boys as well as the men were highly 


4 


CORPORAL TJGE’S RECRUIT, 


excited, as was but natural, by such rumors, 
and a certain Isaac Eice, who prided himself 
upon being fourteen years old, instead of 
gathering with his companions, listening 
eagerly to every word which dropped from 
the lips of the older members of the com- 
munity, conceived the idea of applying to 
what he believed to be the fountain-head of 
all information regarding military matters. 

This supposedly wise man was none other 
than Corporal Elijah Watkins, generally 
known as “Corporal ’Lige,” sometimes 
spoken of as “Master Watkins;” but always 
to Isaac Eice, “the corporal.” 

He was looked upon as an old man when 
he served under Abercrombie at Ticonderoga 
in ’58, and believed of a surety he was as 
well informed in military affairs as Isaac 
Eice, his ardent disciple, fancied him to 
be. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 5 

Ever ready to give advice on important 
matters ; not backward about criticising the 
alleged mistakes of his superiors, and hold- 
ing himself as with the idea that during the 
late troubles with the French he had learned 
all the art of warfare; but yet with such 
possibly disagreeable qualities, Corporal 
'Lige had shown himself to be a brave soldier, 
willing at any time to do more even than was 
his duty. 

The old man was sitting outside the door 
of a tiny log building which he called home, 
smoking peacefully, much as he might have 
done had the committee from Connecticut 
never passed that way, and this apparent 
indifference surprised the boy. 

“Why, corporal, don’t you know what’s 
going on in the town? Haven’t you heard 
that they are talking of taking the fort at 
Ticonderoga, and running the king out of the 
country?” 


6 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“First and foremost, Isaac lad, are yon so 
ignorant as to think the king is here in this 
’ere province to be run out? An’ then agin, 
can’t yon realize that talkin’s one thing an’ 
doin’s another?” 

“Yes; but, corporal, haven’t yon heard the 
news?” 

“If you mean so far as concerns the com- 
mittee from Connecticut, Isaac, I have heard 
it, and what’s more, Master Noah Phelps 
talked with me before ever he went to see 
Colonel Easton. He knew where he could 
get information about Ticonderoga, for bless 
your soul, lad, wasn’t I there in ’58? An’ 
would you find a stick or stone around the 
place that I can’t call to mind?” 

“Did Master Phelps come to see you first?” 

“Well, yes, lad, it ’mounted to much the 
same thing. I was down the road when he 
come into town, an’ seein’ me he acted like 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


7 


as if a great load had been lifted off his shoul- 
ders, ’cause he knowed I could tell him a 
thing or two if I was minded. ‘Good-evenin’ 
to you, Corporal ’Lige,’ he said sweet as 
honey in the honeycomb, and I passed the 
time of day with him, kind of suspicionin’ 
something of this same business was goin’ 
on. ‘Want to take a little trip up through 
the country?’ he asked friendly-like, and do 
you know, lad, the whole plan come to me in 
a minute, an’ I says to him, says I, ‘Master 
Phelps, you can count me in, if it so be yo’re 
goin’ toward the lakes.’ ‘That’s where 
we’re bound for, Corporal ’Lige,’ says he, 
‘and I’ll put your name down.’ I said, says 
I, ‘It’s rations, an’ somethin’ in the way of 
pay, I reckon?’ an’ he allowed as that part of 
it would be all fixed, especially with me, 
’cause you see, lad, it wouldn’t be much 
good for these people what never knew any- 


8 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


thing ’bout war, to start out leavin’ me 
behind. Why, bless your heart, I allow that’s 
why they come through Pittsfield, jest for 
the purpose of seein’ Corporal ’Lige.” 

The old man ceased speaking to puff dense 
volumes of smoke from his pipe, and Isaac 
Rice gazed at him in wonder and amaze. 

That the committee from Connecticut had 
visited the town for the sole and only reason 
of inducing the corporal to join the force, 
there was no question in his mind, and now, 
more implicitly than ever before, did he 
believe that throughout all the provinces 
there could be found no abler soldier than 
Corporal ’Lige. 

“Yes, lad, I’m goin’ with the committee, 
more to tell ’em what they ought to do, as 
you might say, than to serve as a private 
soldier, for you see I know Ticonderoga root 
and branch. I could tell you the whole story 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 9 

from the meanin’ of the name down to who 
is in command of it this very minute, if there 
was time.” 

“But there is, corporal. The committee 
are talkin’ to Colonel Easton and Master 
Brown now, and don’t count on leaving here 
before to-morrow.” 

“What do they want of the colonel?” 

“I don’t know; but they are stopping at 
his house.” 

“I ain’t sayin’ but that the colonel is as 
good a soldier as you’ll find around here; but 
bless your soul, lad, though it ain’ t for me 
to say it, he could learn considerable from 
Corporal ’Lige if he was to spend a few hours 
every now and then listenin’.” 

“But tell me all you can about Ticon- 
deroga, corporal.” 

The old man looked around furtively as if 
half-expecting the committee from Connecti- 


10 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


cut, or Colonel Easton, might be coming to 
ask his advice on some disputed point, and 
then, shaking his forefinger now and again at 
the lad much as though to prevent contra- 
diction, he began: 

“In the first place the folks ’round here call 
it ‘Ticonderoga’ when it ain’t anything of the 
kind. The real name is ‘Cheonderoga,’ which 
is Iroquois lingo for ‘Sounding Water,’ being 
called so, I allow, because the falls at Lake 
George make a deal of noise. The French 
built breastworks there in ’55, which they 
christened Fort Carillon. Now you see it’s a 
mighty strong place owin’ to the situation, 
and its bein’ located on a point which, so I’ve 
heard said, rises more’n a hundred feet above 
the level of the water. The solid part of it — 
that is to say, the land — is only about five 
hundred acres. Three sides are surrounded 
by water, an’ in the rear is a swamp. That 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


11 


much for the advantages of the spot, so to 
speak. Now I was there in July of ’58 when 
Montcalm held the fort with four thousand 
men. Lord Howe was second in command of 
General Abercrombie’s forces, and Major 
Putnam, down here, was with the crowd. 
That’s when the major wouldn’t let his lord- 
ship go into the battle first ; but banged right 
along ahead until we come to the first breast- 
works, finding it so strong that the troops 
were marched back to the landin’ place and 
went into bivouac for the night. It was the 
sixth day of July; on the eighth we tried it 
again; but the fort couldn’t be carried, an’ 
the blood that was shed there, lad, all under 
the British flag, would come pretty nigh 
drownin’ every man, woman an’ child in this 
’ere settlement. On the twenty-sixth of 
July in the year 1759, General Amherst with 
eleven thousand men scared the French out; 


12 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


they didn’t fire a gnn, but abandoned the 
fortification and fled to Crown Point. Since 
that time the king’s forces have held it.” 

“How many are there now?” Isaac asked, 
not so much for the purpose of gaining infor- 
mation as to tempt the old man to continue 
his story. 

“I can’t rightly say, lad, though it’s some- 
where in the neighborhood of fifty. The 
commandant is, or was when I last heard, 
one Captain Delaplace, and it is said that 
he’s a thorough soldier, though I’m allowin’ 
he hasn’t got any too much of a force with 
him.” 

“Do you think the Connecticut gentlemen 
can raise men enough between here and there 
to take a fort which resisted General Aber- 
crombie’s entire army?” 

“That remains to be seen, lad. If they are 
willin’ to act on such advice as can be got 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


13 


from some people hereabouts, I allow there’s 
a good chance for it, more especially if the 
Green Mountain boys take a hand in the 
matter, as Master Phelps thinks probable. In 
that case Colonel Ethan Allen would most 
likely be in command.” 

“And you are really going, corporal?” 
asked Isaac. 

“Yes, lad, it don’t seem as though I ought 
to hang back back when I’m needed. If all 
we hear from the other provinces is true, 
you’ll be old enough to take a hand in the 
scrimmage before the fightin’s over, so here’s 
a chance to serve an apprenticeship. If it so 
be you’re of the mind I’ll take you under my 
wing, an’ by the time we get back you’ll 
have a pretty decently good idea of a sol- 
dier’s trade.” 

“Do you really mean it, corporal?” and 
Isaac sprang to his feet in excitement. “Do 


14 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

you really mean that I may go with you just 
as if I was of age to carry a gun?” 

“Ay, lad, if it so be your mother an’ father 
are willin’, an’ I can’t see why they shouldn’t 
agree, seein’s how they know the company 
you’ll be in. It would seem different if you 
talked of goin’ with the general run of re- 
cruits, who are green hands at this kind of 
work.” 

“But will the committee allow a lad of my 
age to go as a soldier?” 

“Isaac, my boy, when Corporal ’Lige says 
to Master Phelps, says he, ‘This ’ere lad is 
goin’ under my wing, so to speak,’ why bless 
your heart, that’s the end of the whole busi- 
ness. They’ve got to have me, an’ won’t 
stand out about your joinin’ when it’s known 
my heart is set on it.” 

“Will you come now while I ask my 


mother?” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


15 


“Well, lad, I ain’t prepared to say as how I 
will; but this much I’m promisin’: Go to 
her an’ find out how she’s feelin’ about the 
matter. If there’s any waverin’ in her mind 
I’ll step in — you see I’ll be the reserves in 
this case — an’ when I charge she’s bound to 
surrender. But if it so happens that she’s 
dead set against it at the start, why, you had 
best not vex her by tryin’ to push the 
matter.” 

Having perfect faith in the corporal’s wis- 
dom Isaac was thoroughly satisfied with 
this decision, and after the old man had 
promised to await his return at that point, 
the lad set out for home at full speed. 

Perhaps if Isaac had been the only son of 
his mother he would have found it difficult to 
gain her permission for such an adventure as 
Corporal ’Lige had proposed. 

There were five other boys in the family, 


16 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


and Isaac was neither the oldest nor the 
youngest. 

The fact that Mrs. Eice had so many did 
not cause her to be unmindful of any, but 
less timorous perhaps, about parting with 
one. 

However it may be, the lad gained the 
desired permission providing his father would 
assent, and this last was little more than a 
formality. 

Master Eice was found among the throng of 
citizens in front of the inn where recruiting 
was going on briskly. 

The opportunity served to give the good 
man a certain semblance of patriotism when 
he showed himself willing that one of his 
sons should go for a soldier, and he would 
have had the boy sign the rolls then and 
there, but that Isaac demurred. 

It was not in his mind to enlist save in the 


CORPORAL XIGE’S RECRUIT. 


n 


company and after being again assured of the 
corporal’s protection, therefore he insisted 
on presenting himself as the old man’s recruit 
rather than his father’s offering. 

Corporal ’Lige was well pleased when 
Isaac returned with a detailed account of all 
that had taken place, and said approvingly: 

“You have shown yourself to be a lad of 
rare discretion, Isaac Bice, and I will take it 
upon myself to see that such forethought 
brings due reward. Suppose you had signed 
the rolls at the inn? What would you be 
then? Nothin’ more than a private.” 

“But that is all I shall be when I sign them 
with you, corporal.” 

“It may appear that way, I’m free to admit 
lad ; but still you will be a deal higher than 
any non-commissioned officer, because you’ll 
be under my wing, and when we have taken 
Ticonderoga, though I ain’t admitting that’s 


18 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


the proper name of the fort — when we’ve 
taken that, I say, you’ll be fit for any kind of 
a commission that you’re qualified to hold.” 

“Yes,” Isaac replied doubtfully, and then 
he fell to speculating as to whether even 
though Corporal ’Lige did not “take him 
under his wing,” he might not be fit to fill 
any position for which “he was qualified.” 

While he was thus musing a messenger 
came from Master Phelps saying the recruit- 
ing was coming to an end in this town, and 
the party would set out that same afternoon 
on their way to Bennington, expecting to 
enlist volunteers from Colonel Easton’s regi- 
ment of militia as they passed through the 
country 0 

“Never you fear but that I’ll be right at 
my post of duty when the command is given 
to form ranks,” Corporal ’Lige said to the 
messenger, and after the latter had departed 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


19 


he added as he turned to the boy, “Now, 
Isaac, lad, you can see what they think of 
Corporal ’Lige. Colonel Easton and Master 
Brown are hangin’ ’round the inn instead of 
waitin’ for the committee to visit them. An’ 
what do I do? Why, I stay quietly here, 
knowin’ they can’t well get along without 
me, an’ instead of coolin’ my heels among a 
lot of raw recruits, I’m sent for when the 
time is come, as if I was a staff officer. 
That’s one thing you want to bear in mind. 
If you don’t count yourself of any impor- 
tance, other people are mighty apt to pass 
you by as a ne’er-do-well.’’ 

“But I haven’t enlisted yet, corporal.” 

“Of course you have. When you said to 
me ‘I’m ready to go as your apprentice in this 
’ere business,’ it was jest the same as if you’d 
signed the rolls. I’ll arrange all that matter 
with Master Phelps, my lad. Now do you 


20 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


hasten home; get what you can pick up in 
the way of an outfit; borrow your father’s 
gun, and kind of mention the fact to your 
mother that the more she gives in the way of 
provisions the better you’ll be fed, for you 
an’ me are likely to mess together.” 

“How much are you going to take 9 cor- 
poral?” 

“That will depend a good deal on what 
kind of a supply your mother furnishes. I 9 m 
willin’ to admit she’s nigh on to as good a 
cook as can be found in Pittsfield, an’ will 
take my chances on what she puts up for 
you, providin’ there’s enough of it.” 

“Of course you are to take your musket?” 

“I should be a pretty poor kind of a soldier 
if I didn’t, lad — the same one I used under 
Abercrombie,” and he pointed with his 
thumb toward the interior of the dwelling 
where, as Isaac knew, a well-worn weapon 


CORPORAL ’LlGE’S RECRUIT. 21 

hung on hooks just over the fireplace. “It’s 
one of the king’s arms, an’ I reckon will do 
as good service against him as it did for him, 
which is saying considerable, lad, as Major 
Putnam can vouch for. Now set about 
making ready, for we two above all others 
must not be behind-hand when the column 
moves.” 

A fine thing it was to be a soldier, so Isaac 
thought as he went leisurely from Corporal 
’Lige’s log hut to his home; he was forced to 
pass through the entire length of the village, 
stopping here and there to acquaint a friend 
with what he believed to be a most important 
fact. 

Among all the lads in Pittsfield of about 
his own age he was the only one who pro- 
posed to enlist, and from all he heard and 
saw there could be no question but that he 
was envied by his companions. 


22 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


From the youngest boy to the oldest man, 
the citizens were in such a ferment of excite- 
ment as gave recruits the idea that to enlist 
was simply providing amusement for them- 
selves during a certain number of days, and, 
with the exception of those experienced in 
such matters, no person believed for a 
moment that the brave ones who were rally- 
ing at their country’s call would suffer hard- 
ships or privations. 

In fact, this going forth to capture the fcrt 
at Ticonderoga was to be a pleasure excur- 
sion rather than any thing else, and Isaac Rice 
believed he was the most fortunate lad in the 
province of Massachusetts. 

His outfit did not require that his mother 
should spend very much time upon it. 

The clothes he wore comprised the only 
suit he owned, and when two shirts and three 
pairs of stockings had been made into a par- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


23 


cel of the smallest possible size, and he had 
borrowed his father’s gnn, powder horn and 
shot pouch, the equipment was complete. 

Then came the most important of the 
preparations, to Isaac’s mind, for he knew 
the corporal would criticize it closely — the 
store of provisions. 

Had he been allowed his own bent the 
remainder of the Rice family might have 
been put on short allowance, for, with a view 
to pleasing the corporal, he urged that this 
article of food, and then that, should be put 
into the bag which served him as a haver- 
sack, until the larder must have been com- 
letely emptied but for his mother’s emphatic 
refusal to follow such suggestions. 

If Mrs. Rice did not shed bitter tears over 
Isaac when he left her to join the recruits, it 
was because she shared the opinion of many 
others in Pittsfield, and felt positive the lad 


24 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


would soon return, none the worse for his 
short time of soldiering. 

It was but natural she should take a most 
affectionate farewell of him, however, even 
though believing he would be in no especial 
danger, and a glimpse of the tears which his 
mother could not restrain caused an uncom- 
fortable swelling in the would-be soldiers’ 
throat. 

This leaving home, even to march away by 
the side of Corporal ’Lige, was not as pleasant 
as he had supposed, and for the moment he 
ceased to so much as think of the provision- 
bag. 

“Now, see here, mother,” he said, with a 
brave attempt at indifference. “I’m not 
counting on doing anything more than help 
take the fort, and since the corporal is to be 
with us, that can’t be a long task.” 

“You will ever be a good boy, Isaac ? 95 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


25 


“Of course, mother.” 

“And you will write me a letter, if it so be 
you find the opportunity?” 

This was not a pleasing prospect to the 
boy, for he had never found it an easy task 
to make a fair copy of the single line set 
down at the top of his writing-book ; but his 
heart was sore for the moment, and he would 
have promised even more in order to check 
his mother’s tears. 

Therefore it was he agreed to make her 
acquainted with all his movements, so far as 
should be possible, and, that done, it seemed 
as if the sting was taken in a great measure 
from the parting. 

Feeling more like a man than ever before 
in his life, Isaac set forth from his home 
with a heavy musket over his shoulder, and 
the bag of provisions hanging at his back, 
glancing neither to the right nor to the left 


26 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


until he arrived at the corporal’s dwel- 
ling. 

An exclamation of surprise and delight 
burst from his lips when he saw the old man, 
armed and equipped as he had been in ’58, 
wearing the uniform of a British soldier, even 
though by thus setting out he was proving 
his disloyalty to the king. 

“Well you do look fine, corporal. I dare 
wager there are none who will set forth from 
this town as much a soldier as you!” 

“I reckon Colonel Easton will come out 
great with his militia uniform ; but what does 
it amount to except for the value of the gold 
lace that’s on it? All I’m wearin’ has seen 
service, an’ though it ain’t for me to say it, 
I shouldn’t be suprised if him as is inside 
this ’ere red coat could tell the militia col- 
onel much regarding his duty.” 

“Of course you can, corporal, every one 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


27 


knows that, an’ I’m expecting to see you put 
next in command to Colonel Allen, if it so be 
he goes.” 

“Not quite that, lad, not quite that, for 
there’s jealousy in the ranks the same as out- 
side of them, though I warrant many of ’em 
will be glad to ask Corporal ’Lige’s advice 
before this ’ere business is over. Now let’s 
have a look to your stores, and we’ll be 
off.” 

The examination of the impromptu haver- 
sack appeared to be satisfactory to the old 
man, and without doing more in the way of 
securing his dwelling from intruders than 
shutting the outer door, he marched down 
the street with such a swagger as he evi- 
dently believed befitting a soldier. 

Isaac followed meekly at his heels, troub- 
ling his head not one whit because he lacked 
a uniform, but believing he shared to a cer- 


28 CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 

tain degree in Corporal ’Lige’s gorgeonsness 
and martial bearing. 

The two came to a halt outside the inn, 
standing stiffly at “attention,” and there 
they remained until Master Phelps was 
forced to go out and bid the old man enter, 
that the formality of signing the rolls might 
be gone through with, after which Isaac Kice 
was duly entitled to call himself a militia- 


man. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


29 


CHAPTER II. 

A SECLUDED CAMP. 

When these raw recruits departed from 
the town — Corporal ’Lige insisted that they 
did not march — they were followed for several 
miles by nearly all the men and boys in the 
vicinity. 

The old man was greatly exercised because 
Colonel Easton, who now assumed command, 
allowed such an unsoldierly proceeding as 
that his troops should walk arm in arm with 
their friends, each in his own manner and at 
his own convenience. 

Had the corporal been invested with the 
proper authority he would have had these 
raw recruits marshaled into ranks and forced 


30 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


to step in unison, carrying their muskets at 
the same angle, and otherwise conforming 
themselves to his idea of soldierly bearing — 
all this he would have had them do; but 
whether he could have brought about such 
a condition of affairs is extremely problem- 
atical. 

“I allowed Colonel James Easton came 
somewhere near bein’ a soldier, even though 
he is only a militiaman,” the corporal said in 
a tone of intense dissatisfaction to Isaac as 
the two marched solemnly side by side in the 
midst of their disorderly companions, “and I 
did think we could set out from here and 
capture Ticonderoga, if all hands were willin’ 
to put their shoulders to the wheel; but I 
take back that statement, lad, and am sorry 
I ever was so foolish as to enlist. I ought to 
have known better when I saw the crowd 
that was signin’ the rolls.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


31 


“Why, what’s the matter, corporal?” and 
Isaac looked around in surprise, for until this 
moment he had believed everything was 
progressing in proper military fashion. 

“Matter?” Corporal ’Lige cried angrily. 
“Look around and see how these men are 
comportin’ themselves, an’ then you’ll know. 
Here are them as should be soldiers, seein’s 
they’ve signed the rolls, mixed up with 
citizens till you couldn’t tell one from the 
other unless personally acquainted with all 
hands. Then how are they marchin’? Why, 
a flock of geese couldn’t straggle along in any 
more ungainly fashion.” 

“I shouldn’t suppose it would make any 
difference how they marched so that they got 
there in time,” Isaac ventured to suggest 
timidly. 

“Shouldn’t, eh? Then what’s the good of 
calling themselves soldiers? Why don’t 


32 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


they start out like a crowd of farmers an 9 try 
their hand at taking the fort?” 

“Well?” Isaac replied calmly. “Why 
shouldn’t they? They are not soldiers, you 
know, corporal, and so long’s the fort is taken 
why wouldn’t it be as well if they didn’t try 
to af>e military manners?” 

The old man gazed sternly at the boy while 
one might have counted ten, and then said in 
a tone of sadness: 

“It’s a shame, Isaac Rice, that after bein’ 
with me all these years, an’ hearin’ more or 
less regardin’ military matters, you shouldn’t 
have more sense.” 

“Why, what have I said now, corporal? Is 
it any harm to think that farmers might take 
a fort?” 

“Of course it is, lad. If anything of that 
kind could happen, what’s the use of having 
soldiers?” 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


33 


“But I suppose it is necessary to have an 
army if there’s going to be war,” Isaac 
replied innocently, and this last was sufficient 
to completely fill the vials of the old man’s 
wrath. 

That this pupil of his should fail at the 
very first opportunity to show a proper spirit, 
was to him most disappointing, and during 
the half-hour which followed he refused to 
speak, even though Isaac alternately begged 
his pardon for having been so ignorant and 
expressed regret that he had said anything 
which might give offense. 

During all this while the citizens of Pitts- 
field were *following the recruits in a most 
friendly manner, believing it their duty to 
thus cheer those who might soon be amid the 
carnage of battle, and perhaps not one real- 
ized how seriously he was by such method 
offending Corporal ’Lige. 


34 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Isaac’s father was among this well-inten- 
tioned following, as were two of the lad’s 
brothers, and when these representatives of 
the Rice family, having walked as far as the 
head of the household deemed necessary, 
were about to turn back, they ranged them- 
selves either side of the corporal and his 
pupil, in order to bid the latter farewell. 

“I expect you will give a good account of 
yourself, Isaac, when it comes to fighting, 
and I feel all the more confident in regard to 
it because you are under the wing of a man 
who knows what it is to be a soldier.” 

This compliment was intended for Cor- 
poral ’Lige as a matter of course; but he paid 
no other attention to it than to say : 

“If the lad had profited by my teachings, 
he’d know that he has no right to talk with 
outsiders while he’s in the ranks.” 

“That’s exactly it,” Mr. Rice replied, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 35 

wholly oblivious that the corporal was admin- 
istering what he believed to be a most severe 
rebuke. “That is exactly it, my son, and 
you will do well to remember that you can- 
not fail in your duty so long as you take 
pattern from the corporal.” 

The old soldier gave vent to what can be 
described only as a “snort” of contempt; 
and the boy’s sorrow was as nothing com- 
pared with what it had been when bidding 
good-by to his mother. 

After the young Rices had turned their 
faces homeward in obedience to the orders 
of the elder Rice, Isaac gave more heed to 
copying the movements of the corporal, 
thereby atoning in a certain measure for his 
previous injudicious remarks. 

The boy firmly believed that no more able 
soldier could be found in all the colonies than 
this same Corporal ’Lige, and had any person 


36 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


ventured to remark that the expedition might 
be as well off without him, Isaac would have 
set the speaker down as one lacking common 
sense. 

Take the corporal out of the ranks, and 
young Rice would have said there was no 
possibility either Crown Point or Ticonderoga 
could be captured. 

Thus it was that an order from Colonel Allen, 
Colonel Easton, or Seth Warner was as noth- 
ing compared with one from Corporal ’Lige, in 
the mind of Isaac Rice; but there were many 
in the ranks who did not have such an exalted 
opinion of the old soldier, and these were 
free with their criticisms and unfavorable 
remarks, much against the raw recruit’s 
peace of mind, as well as the corporal’s 
annoyance. 

It was because of these light-headed vol- 
unteers, who saw only in this expedition a 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 37 

novel and agreeable form of junketing, out of 
which it was their duty to extract all the 
sport possible regardless of the feelings of 
others, that Corporal ’Lige withdrew himself, 
so to speak, from his comrades, and barely 
acknowledged the salutes of any save his 
superior officers. 

At the end of the second day’s journey he 
refused to go into camp with them; but 
applied to the captain of his company for 
permission to advance yet a short distance 
further, at which point he could join the 
troops when they came forward next morn- 
ing. It was known by all the expedition, even 
including those who were making the old 
soldier the butt of their mirth, that he was 
held in high esteem by Colonel Ethan Allen, 
and the request, although irregular, was 
readily granted, after a warning against the 
perils attendant upon such a course, 


38 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“It is better yon stay with the troops, cor- 
poral,” the captain said kindly, “although I 
have no hesitation in saying you are free to 
do as you choose.” 

“And I do not choose to remain in the 
encampment for all the young geese — who 
fancy that by signing the rolls they have 
become soldiers — to sharpen their wits upon, 
therefore I would halt by myself, taking only 
the recruit I claim as my own, for com- 
pany.” 

“I will have a care that you are not 
annoyed again,” the officer replied in a 
kindly tone; but this was not to Corporal 
’Lige’s liking. 

“If a soldier can only keep his self-respect 
by running to his superior officers like a 
schoolboy when matters are not to his fancy 
it is time he left the ranks. After we have 
smelt burning powder I fancy these young- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


39 


sters will keep a civil tongue in their heads, 
and until then I had best care for myself.” 

This was such good logic that the captain 
could oppose no solid argument against it, 
therefore the old soldier received permission 
for himself and “his recruit” to form camp 
wherever it should please him, provided, 
however, that they remained in the ranks 
while the command was advancing. 

Not until after the matter had been thus 
settled did the captain take it upon himself 
to warn the corporal that it was not wholly 
safe to thus separate from his companions. 

“It is well known that our movements are 
being watched by both Tories and Indians,” 
he said in a friendly manner, such as would 
not offend the obstinate old soldier, “and 
you can well fancy that they would not hesi- 
tate to do some mischief to any of the expedi- 
tion whom they might come upon alone.” 


40 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“I can take care of myself, and also the 
hoy,” Corporal ’Lige replied stiffly, as he 
saluted his superior officer with unusual 
gravity, and with this the subject was 
dropped. 

Then the old man said to his recruit, as he 
motioned him aside that others might not get 
information concerning his purpose: 

“We’ll draw such rations as may be served 
out, lad, and then push ahead to where we can 
be in the company of sensible people, mean- 
ing our two selves.” 

Isaac would have felt decidedly more safe 
if he could remain with the main body of 
troops, for he had heard the captain’s cau- 
tion; but he did not think it wise to give 
such a desire words, and by his silence signi- 
fied that he was ready to do whatsoever his 
instructor should deem to be for the best. 

The rations served these volunteers who 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


41 


proposed to reduce the forts at Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point ere they yet knew a sol- 
dier’s duties were not generous, and he who, 
from a desire to avoid seeming greedy, 
delayed in applying for them, generally 
found himself without food, save he might 
be so fortunate as to beg some from his more 
provident companions. 

Corporal ’Lige was exceedingly friendly to 
his stomach ; he made it a rule never to allow 
modesty to deprive him of a full share of 
whatever might be served out, therefore it 
was he had drawn rations for himself and 
Isaac almost before the troops came to a halt, 
and the hindermost were yet marching into 
camp, weary and travel-stained, when he said 
to his small comrade: 

“There is nothing to keep us here longer, 
and the sooner we are at a goodly distance 
from these silly youngsters who fancy that 


42 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


the taking of a musket in their hands 
makes them soldiers, the better I shall be 
pleased.” 

Isaac gave token of willingness to con- 
tinue the march by shouldering his weapon 
once more, and the two set off, attracting 
no attention from their companions-in-arms, 
each of whom had little thought save to 
minister to his own comfort, for this soldier- 
ing was rapidly becoming more of a task and 
less of a pleasure-tour than had been at first 
supposed. 

Not until he was fully a mile from the 
foremost of the main body did the corporal 
give any evidence of an intention to halt, and 
then he showed remarkably good judgment 
in his selection of a camping-place. 

At the edge of a small brook about fifty 
yards from the main road over which they 
had been traveling, he threw down his knap- 


CORPORAL LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


43 


sack, and announced in a tone of satisfaction 
that they would spend the night there. 

“It is not too far away, and yet at such a 
distance that we shall not he forced to listen 
to the gabbling of those geese,” he said as 
he set about building a small campfire in 
order to prepare the food he had procured. 
“Make yourself comfortable, Isaac Rice, 
for it is a soldier’s solemn duty to gain all 
the rest he can.” 

“Do you think we shall be safe here?” the 
boy asked almost timidly, for it seemed 
little short of a crime to question any propo- 
sition made by the corporal. 

“Safe, lad? What’s to prevent? If you 
keep your ears open for stories of danger 
while you are with the army, you’ll never 
know peace of mind, for there are always 
those faint-hearted ones ready to exaggerate 
the falling of a leaf into the coming of the 


44 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


enemy. I have as much regard for my own 
safety as for yours, and I say that here we 
can camp in peace and safety.” 

This was sufficient for the corporal’s 
recruit, and he set about making himself 
comfortable, with the conviction that none 
knew better than his comrade the general 
condition of affairs. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 


45 


CHAPTER III. 

AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE. 

Surely this camping by themselves was 
exceedingly pleasant, Isaac thought, as the 
old soldier took upon himself the duties of 
cook, leaving his recruit with nothing to do 
save watch him as he worked. 

On the previous night they had slept in the 
midst of a noisy throng who chattered and 
made merry until an exceedingly late hour, 
thus preventing the more weary from sleep- 
ing, and everywhere in the air, hanging like 
clouds, was the dust raised by the feet of so 
many men. 

Now these two were in the seclusion of the 
woods, with a carpet of grass for a bed; the 


46 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


rippling brook to lull them to slumber, and 
nothing more noisy than the insect life every- 
where around to disturb their slumbers. 

Corporal ’Lige was in a rare good humor. 
He prepared an appetizing meal, although 
his materials were none of the best, and 
when it had been eaten, seated himself by 
Isaac’s side with pipe in his mouth, ready 
and willing to spin yarns of his previous 
experience as a soldier. 

The boy was an eager listener ; but after a 
certain time even the tones of the old sol- 
dier’s voice were not sufficient to banish the 
sleep elves, and his eyes closed in uncon- 
sciousness just when his comrade had arrived 
at the most exciting portion of his narrative. 

“Perhaps I shan’t be so willin’ the next 
time you want to hear what I’ve seen in this 
world,” Corporal ’Lige said testily when he 
observed that his audience was asleep, and 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 

then, knocking the ashes carefully from his 
pipe, he lay down by the side of his small 
companion. 

It seemed to Isaac that he had hardly more 
than closed his eyes in unconsciousness 
when he was aroused by the pressure of 
some heavy substance upon his hand, and 
looking up quickly he saw, in the dim light, 
three men standing over the corporal. 

The foot of one of these strangers was 
upon the boy’s hand, as if he did not think 
Isaac of sufficient importance either to war- 
rant his taking him prisoner, or to so much 
as step aside that he might be spared pain. 

Before hearing a single word, Isaac under- 
stood that these late-comers were no friends 
of the corporal’s, and he endured the pain in 
silence, hoping that by so doing he might 
escape observation. 

It was hardly probable the strangers failed 


48 


CORPORAL ’LICE'S RECRUIT. 


to see him, for he had been lying within a 
few feet of his companion ; but that he was 
not the object of their regard could be readily 
understood. 

The man who had thus pinned the boy to 
the earth by his heel wore moccasins rather 
than boots, otherwise Isaac would have 
received severe injury, and as it was, the cor- 
poral’s recruit suffered considerable pain 
before the foot was finally removed ; but yet 
made no sound. 

So far as he could judge by the conversa- 
tion, these strangers must have been in camp 
some time before he was awakened, for 
when he first opened his eyes they were in 
the midst of an unpleasant conversation with 
the old soldier, such as had evidently been 
carried on for some moments. 

“If he don’t choose to tell, string him up 
to a tree,” one of the party cried impatiently 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 49 

at the moment Isaac first became conscious 
that matters were not running smoothly in 
this private encampment. “A dead rebel is 
of more good than a live one, and we have no 
time to lose.” 

“Hang me, if that’s what you’re hankerin’ 
for!” Corporal ’Lige cried in a voice that 
sounded thick and choked as if a heavy pres- 
sure was upon his throat. “Even though I 
knew more concernin’ this ’ere expedition 
than I do, not a word should I speak.” 

“We’ll soon see whether you’re so willing 
to dance on nothing,” the first speaker cried 
vindictively, and then came noises as if the 
man was making ready to carry his threat 
into execution. 

“Give him another chance,” one of the 
Tories suggested. “Let the old fool tell us 
all he knows of Allen’s plans, an’ we’ll leave 
him none the worse for our coming.” 


50 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“I know nothing!” the corporal cried in a 
rage. “Do yon reckon the colonel would 
lay out his campaign before me?” 

“It is said he did so before you left Pitts- 
field.” 

“Whoever says that is a liar; but even 
though he had made the fullest explanations, 
I would not reveal the plans to you. You 
must think I’m a mighty poor kind of a sol- 
dier if I don’t know how to die rather than 
play the traitor.” 

“You’ll soon have a chance of proving 
what you can do!” the third man cried 
angrily, and then it was he stepped forward, 
leaving Isaac free to do as he thought best. 

That these three Tories were bent on hang- 
ing the old soldier, or at least so nearly 
doing so as to frighten him into disclosing all 
he knew regarding Colonel Allen’s plans, 
there could be no question, and young Rice, 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


51 


trembling with fear though he was, had no 
other thought than as to how it might be 
possible for him to aid his comrade. 

It did not seem probable the men were 
ignorant regarding the boy’s presence, and 
the only explanation which can be made as 
to why they failed to secure him is that he 
was so nearly a child as to appear of but lit- 
tle consequence. They evidently had no 
thought that he could in any way thwart their 
purpose, and, therefore, no heed was given 
to him. 

It can readily be imagined that Isaac did 
not waste much time in speculations as to 
why he was allowed to remain at liberty. 

Now was come the moment when he might 
repay some portion of the debt he believed 
he owed Corporal ’Lige, and the only anxiety 
in his mind was lest he should not do it in 
proper military fashion. 


52 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


He could not even so much as guess what a 
genuine soldier would do under the same 
circumstances; but he had a very good idea 
as to how a boy might extricate himself from 
such a difficulty, and lost no time in begin- 
ning the work. 

The three men were so busily engaged try- 
ing to frighten the corporal into telling them 
what he might know of Colonel Allen’s 
forces as not to heed the noise Isaac made 
when he rolled himself toward the bushes 
in that direction where the two muskets 
had been set up against a tree under the 
foliage in such manner that they might not 
be affected by the dew. 

It was impossible for him to say exactly 
what these intruders were doing to Corporal 
’Lige, but, from the noises, he judged they 
had first made a prisoner of the old man by 
seizing him around the throat, perhaps while 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 53 

he was yet asleep, and now there was every 
indication that they were making ready to 
carry out the threat of hanging. 

“Give him another chance to tell what he 
knows,” one of the men cried, and immedi- 
ately afterward the old soldier replied: 

“String me up if you will, for there’s no 
need of waiting any longer with the idea that 
I’m goin’ to give you any information, even 
if I have it.” 

“Then up with him!” the man who had 
first spoken shouted, and Isaac, without 
looking in that direction, heard the confused 
noises which told him the enemy were trying 
to raise the old man to his feet. 

By this time the boy had his hand on one 
of the muskets, and his first impulse was to 
discharge it full at the intruders ; but before 
he could act, the thought came that there 
were two shots at his disposal, and he ought 


54 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


to so plan as to make both of them count. 
He believed it was necessary to work with 
the utmost speed, lest these three Tories 
should have hung the corporal before he was 
ready to interfere, and yet a certain number 
of seconds were absolutely necessary before 
he could carry out that plan which had sud- 
denly come into his mind. 

With both muskets under his arm he crept 
cautiously a few paces onward until screened 
by the foliage, and then raising one of the 
weapons, took deliberate aim at the nearest 
enemy. 

There was no thought in his mind that he 
was thus compassing the death of a human 
being. He only knew his comrade’s life was 
in danger, and that a well-directed shot might 
save him. 

The three men had by this time gotten a 
rope around Corporal ’Lige’s neck, and, find- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


55 


in g that it was difficult to raise the old man 
to his feet, were throwing the halter over the 
limb of the nearest tree as a method of 
saving labor. 

One of the Tories, he who appeared to be 
the elder, and who was directing the move- 
ments of the others, stood a few paces from 
his comrades, and, taking deliberate aim at 
him, Isaac shouted: 

“Throw down your weapons, and sur- 
render, or you are dead men!” 

The words had but just been spoken when 
he discharged the musket, and a scream of 
pain from the living target told that the 
bullet had sped true to its mark. 

The two men who were as yet unarmed 
dropped the rope they were holding and 
sprang toward their weapons, which had 
been left on the ground nearby; but before 
they could reach them, Isaac had emptied a 


56 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


second musket, and another cry of pain rang 
out. 

“Throw down your weapons and surrender, 
or you are dead men!” he shouted again, and 
at this the third Tory, who must have be- 
lieved there was more than one man in the 
thicket, took to his heels in alarm, while 
Corporal ’Lige, who had received no worse 
injury than a severe choking, seized upon 
the three muskets which were lying close 
beside him. 

Even now, when two of the intruders were 
wounded and the third running for dear life, 
Isaac was doubtful as to whether he should 
show himself.. . 

He remained in concealment, while the 
corporal gazed around him in surprise for a 
dozen seconds or more, and gave no token of 
his whereabouts until the old man shouted : 
“Hello, friends! Show yourselves!” 



“ IS IT ALL RIGHT, CORPORAL? ” ISAAC ASKED TIMIDLY. 

Corporal 'Inigo's Recruit, p. 57. 





CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


57 


“Is it all right?” Isaac asked timidly, and 
in a tone which was little better than a 
squeak. “Is it all right, corporal?” 

“Come in here, Isaac Eice. Can it be it 
was you who fired those shots?” 

The raw recruit came forward almost 
timidly, and Corporal ’Lige, shifting the 
three muskets he had taken possession of 
over on to his left arm, seized the boy by the 
hand. 

“I’ve done a good bit of soldierin’ in my 
day, lad; seen surprises, an’ ambushes, an’ 
attacks of a similar kind without number; 
but never did I know of anything that was 
done with more neatness an’ dispatch than 
this same job of yours, which has saved my 
neck from bein’ stretched. I’m proud of 
you, lad!” 

Isaac was overwhelmed by this praise, yet 
not to such an extent but that there was a 


58 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

great fear in his mind lest he had taken a 
human life, and he asked anxiously: 

“Do you suppose I hurt either of them 
seriously, Corporal ’Lige?” and he pointed to 
where the wounded men lay. 

“It is to he hoped you killed ’em both, so 
that we may be spared any further trouble 
with the vermin,’’ and not until then did the 
corporal condescend to give any attention to 
those enemies who had been so sadly worsted 
by a boy. 

Just at this moment the wounded Tories 
suffered more in mind than in body, for they 
now understood who had made the attack 
upon them , and it can readily be fancied that 
both were ashamed at having been thus 
defeated in their purpose by one whom they 
had considered of so little importance that 
no effort was made to deprive him of his 
liberty when they surprised the encampment, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


59 


It was with the most intense relief that 
young Rice heard the corporal’s report, 
which was to the effect that he who had 
acted as leader of the party had a severe but 
apparently not exceedingly dangerous wound 
in the shoulder, while his comrade was 
suffering from a bullet-hole in the leg. 

“They’re disabled, lad, but not killed, an’ 
the first bit of soldierin’ that you have been 
called on to do is like to give great credit 
with such as Colonel Allen and Colonel Eas- 
ton. Tell me how you happened to think of 
overcoming them in this shape?’’ 

“I didn’t think of it,’’ the boy replied. 
“It seemed to me you were like to be hanged 
and I only did what was in my power.” 

“I came nigher to havin’ my neck stretched 
than ever before, an’ as it was, the villainous 
Tories pulled mighty hard on that rope, 
before you effected the rescue; but, lad, you 


60 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


must have thought ! This attack you made 
in such a soldierly fashion wasn’t the result 
of chance, an’ that I’ll go hail.” 

It was useless to make any attempt at con- 
vincing Corporal ’Lige of what was only the 
truth. 

The old man was so determined to look 
upon the rescue as a soldierly act that he 
would not accept any other explanation, and 
the boy ceased his fruitless efforts by asking: 

“What is to be done with these two 
Tories?” 

“I reckon they must be got back to camp, 
although it would be no more than servin’ 
’em right if we put an end to their miserable 
lives without further parley.” 

“Oh, you wouldn’t kill them in cold blood, 
Corporal ’Lige?” Isaac cried in alarm. 

“No; I don’t reckon I would, though that’s 
what ought to be done with ’em. It’s plain 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


61 


you an’ I can’t lug the two a matter of a mile 
or more, so one must stand guard over ’em 
while the other goes back to the camp. I’m 
leavin’ it to you to say which service you’ll 
perform, for after this night’s work I’m 
willin’ to admit that my recruit has in him 
the. makin’s of a better soldier than I can 
ever hope to be.” 

The boy gave no heed to this praise at the 
time, although later he remembered the 
words with pleasure. 

Now there was in his mind a fear lest the 
corporal should desire him to guard the 
prisoners, and, the more imminent danger 
over, he was growing exceedingly timorous. 

“I’ll go back to the encampment if it so 
please you, Corporal ’Lige, because I can run 
faster than you.” 

“As you will, lad, as you will. Explain to 
Colonel Ethan Allen what has happened here 


02 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

and let him say how these venomous snakes 
are to be treated.” 

During this conversation neither of the 
wounded men had spoken; but now, as the 
boy was about to set out for the encamp- 
ment, he who had evidently acted as the 
leader cried sharply: 

“Hold on a bit! What is the sense of 
sending us into your camp when we are like 
to die? Why not give us a show for our 
lives?” 

“In what way?” Corporal ’Lige asked 
sternly. 

“By allowing us to go to our homes.” 

“That will do,” the old soldier said 
angrily. “After your attempt to kill me I’m 
not such a simple as to let you go scot free. 
Get you gone, lad, and make the report to 
Colonel Allen as soon as may be.” 

The wounded Tory continued to plead with 


CORPORAL ’LlGE’S RECRUIT. 63 

the corporal ; but Isaac did not wait to hear 
anything more. 

He set out at full speed down the road in 
the direction where the troops were en- 
camped, running at his best pace, and fearing 
each instant lest that Tory who had made his 
escape should suddenly come upon him. 


64 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE LETTER. 

When Isaac was come within hailing dis- 
tance of the few sentinels who had been 
posted to guard against a surprise, he was 
astonished at being halted after having 
announced who he was, and the laxness of 
military discipline can be understood when 
it is said that, after being recognized by the 
recruit at that particular post, the boy was 
allowed to enter the encampment without 
further question. 

Colonel Allen was not better lodged than 
his men. A lean-to formed of a few boughs 
was the only shelter he had, and Isaac was 
forced to search among the sleeping soldiers 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


65 


several moments before discovering the 
whereabouts of the commander 

Once this had been done it was but the 
work of a few seconds to acquaint the officer 
with what had occurred, and at this evidence 
that the Tories were dogging the little army, 
more than one recruit who had boasted the 
loudest as to what he would do when the 
time for fighting should come, turned sus- 
piciously pale as he approached to hear all 
Isaac was saying. 

“Why did Corporal Watkins camp by him- 
self?” Colonel Allen asked when the boy 
concluded his report. 

“Because some of the men poke fun at 
him, allowin’ that he’s too old to be of serv- 
ice, an’ far too crochety to make any fist at 
bein’ a soldier,” Isaac replied promptly. 

“I wish from the bottom of my heart that 
I had one hundred men like him, rather than 


66 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


some of the braggarts who do not know there 
is such a work as the manual of arms,” the 
colonel said in a loud voice, as if desirous 
that all should hear. “Tell the corporal that 
he will camp with this force in the future, 
and I shall make it my especial business to 
learn who it is that dares make matters 
uncomfortable for him.” 

Then, to the captain of the company to 
which Corporal ’Lige was attached, an order 
was given that a squad of men be sent for- 
ward to bring in the prisoners, and when this 
had been obeyed the old soldier, as a matter 
of course, returned with them. 

From that night Isaac heard nothing more 
regarding the wounded Tories. It was said 
they had been sent back to Pittsfield under a 
strong guard, and certain it is they disap- 
peared from the encampment before day- 
break, but neither the boy nor the corporal 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 67 

could find a single man who had seen them 
depart. 

This incident, and it was hardly to be 
spoken of as anything of importance, to- 
gether with Colonel Allen’s remark, served 
to render Corporal ’Lige’s life more pleasant, 
for those who had used him as the butt of 
their mirth began to understand that he was 
superior to themselves, in a soldierly way, 
and more than one sought his advice on 
various occasions. 

At sunset on the seventh day of May the 
raw recruits had arrived at Castleton, four- 
teen miles east of Skenesborough, and Isaac 
himself has given the details of that strag- 
gling march through the country, in the first 
letter written to his mother after setting out 
as a soldier: 

“May the Eighth, 1775. 
“My Dear Mother, Father, and Children: 

“We have been camping here in this 


68 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


thicket since last night, and if there is any- 
body in all the company more tired of sol- 
diering than 1 am, I would like to meet him. 
I wore a hole in the heel of my stocking on 
the second day, and got such a blister 
because of it that I’ve been obliged to go 
barefoot ever since. 

“We have had plenty to eat, for the folks 
along the road were most kind; but it’s 
sleeping that has been the worst on me, 
though the corporal says I never can hope to 
be a soldier till I’m able to lay down in three 
or four inches of water and get as much rest 
as I would at home in bed. I tell him I don’t 
hope to be one any more, for I’ve had about 
enough of it, though of course I shall stick 
by the company till we’ve taken the fort, 
and it’s pretty certain we shall do that, 
because now there are two hundred and 
seventy men in the ranks. 

“Colonel Easton enlisted thirty -nine of his 
militia before we got to Bennington, and 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 69 

there we were joined by the Green Mountain 
Boys under the command of Colonel Ethan 
Allen. 

“It surprised me to find that a good many 
of the people don’t believe we are doing right 
in trying to take away the fort from the 
king’s troops, and the corporal says that 
unless this thing is a success we are all like 
to be hanged for traitors, because his majesty 
will make an example of them who are fore- 
most in the work — which means us. 

“Two hours after we halted last night Colo- 
nel Benedict Arnold, who is said to have 
gone from New Haven as captain of a com- 
pany, to Cambridge, arrived here with a few 
men and a large amount — so it seems to me 
— of military supplies. 

“Although knowing that Colonel Allen is 
in charge of this force, he claimed the right 
to take command, and, so the corporal says, 
made display of a commission signed by the 
Massachusetts Committee of Safety, declar- 


70 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


ing that it entitled him to take charge of all 
the troops. Now, although I’m not a soldier 
— the corporal says I never will be — I’ve got 
sense enough to understand that if I enlisted 
under Colonel Easton, and was willing he 
should give way to Colonel Allen so w T e 
might have the Green Mountain Boys with 
us, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety 
have got nothing to do with saying who shall 
lead in the battle — though I hope to goodness 
we shan’t see one. 

“The corporal says that no committee is 
going to scare Ethan Allen, and it’s certain, 
so those of the Green Mountain Boys with 
whom I’ve talked say, that this stranger 
won’t get himself into command of the com- 
pany, even though, as is said, he brings one 
hundred pounds in money, two hundred 
pounds’ weight of gunpowder, the same of 
leaden balls, and one thousand flints, to 
carry all of which, and himself, he has ten 
horseSo 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


71 


“Now, the corporal claims that these 
things, including the money, are munitions 
of war, and that if Colonel Arnold doesn’t 
deliver them over to Colonel Allen, they will 
be taken from him, and he, Corporal ’Lige, I 
mean, went early this morning to Master 
Phelps, offering to see to it that this property 
was delivered up to us; but for some reason 
or other — neither the corporal nor I can 
understand what — his offer was not accepted. 

“I have heard it said, and the corporal is of 
the opinion it is true, that when the council 
of war was held last night before this gentle- 
man from New Haven arrived, Colonel Allen 
was chosen commander of the whole expedi- 
tion, Colonel Easton second in command, and 
Seth Warner third. It was decided that the 
greater number of us, with the principal 
officers, would march from here to Shoreham 
—which you know is opposite Ticonderoga— 
and Captain Herrick with thirty men would 
at the same time go to Skenesborough to 


72 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

capture young Major Skene, whose father, 
the governor, is now in England; seize all 
the boats they can find-, and join us at Shore- 
ham. Captain Douglas is to go to Panton 
with a small troop, and get whatever craft is 
in the water roundabout. The corporal says 
he shall be quite well satisfied with this 
arrangement, providing the remainder of the 
plan is mapped out as he thinks right. 

“However, nobody seems to know whether 
Colonel Arnold will manage to get his com- 
mission from the Massachusetts Committee 
of Safety recognized as good and sufficient 
authority for him to lord it over our people, 
and we ask each other what will become of 
his munitions of war in case he doesn’t, or 
how may the plans be changed if he does? 

“What I can’t understand in this whole 
business is why the corporal shouldn’t be 
the third officer in command, instead of 
Master Warner, who I have no doubt is a 
very worthy gentleman; but of course can- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 73 

not claim to be any such soldier as Corporal 
’Lige. He says there’s always a lot of 
jealousy among officers in the army, and 
that’s why he isn’t to be given a chance to 
show how much he can do. 

“The food I brought from home was used 
up the second day — the corporal had what he 
called a ‘coming appetite’ — and perhaps it 
was just as well, for I had all the load any 
fellow could want to carry. 1 never believed 
before leaving home that father’s musket was 
so heavy; I held it over my shoulder until it 
seemed as if the flesh was worn right down 
to the bone; then lugged it in my hand till 
my arm ached as if it was going to drop off, 
and I verily believe I would have thrown 
the thing away but that Corporal ’Lige said 
a soldier didn’t amount to very much unless 
he had a weapon of some kind. 

“The corporal says I am to give you his 
dutiful compliments, and to say that if his 


74 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


life is spared, by the blessing of God, he will 
capture Ticonderoga before we come back. 

“As for me, I wish I was at home now, 
though it will be a fine thing if we do what 
the old man says is our duty in these times, 
without being hanged. 

“I haven’t yet found out why people think 
there is so much honor to be gained in being a 
soldier. To my mind it’s much like any 
other way of running around the country ; 
but the corporal says if he had the manage- 
ment of affairs things would be different, 
because he’d keep the men right up to their 
work, though I don’t see how it could well be 
done. For my part, I shouldn’t carry a 
musket over my shoulder when I was lame 
and tired just because any man said so. It 
would be as well whatever fashion I lugged it, 
providing the labor was lessened; but the 
corporal says it would make all the difference 
in the world if we marched the same as we 
would at a muster. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 75 

“I love you all very much, and shall be 
precious glad to find myself at home again. 

“From your obedient and dutiful son, 

“Isaac Rice.” 

In this letter the young recruit, who 
although having enjoyed the teachings of 
Corporal ’Lige, was certainly not a soldier at 
heart, has told the main facts in the case 
regardingthe halt of the militia at Castleton; 
but it will be observed that his modesty was 
too great to permit of his mentioning the 
brave part he played in the rescue of Cor- 
poral ’Lige from the Tories. 

He has failed, however, most probably 
through ignorance, in giving Colonel Arnold’s 
authority for claiming his right to lead the 
expedition. 

That officer had brought to Cambridge 
from New Haven a company of which he was 


76 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

the captain, and upon arriving there at once 
reported to the Massachusetts Committee of 
Safety that it would be possible, before the 
forts had been reinforced, to seize the works 
at Ticonderoga and Crown Point with a com- 
paratively small body of men. 

He proceeded to organize an expedition for 
such a purpose, and to this end was supplied 
with the money and munitions of war men- 
tioned by Isaac, together with a colonel’s 
commission, which gave him the chief com- 
mand of troops, not exceeding four hundred 
in number, which he might raise to accom- 
pany him against the lake fortresses. 

Upon arriving at Stockbridge, in the prov- 
ince of Massachusetts, he learned that 
another expedition had set out — that is to 
say the same one Corporal ’Lige and Isaac 
accompanied— and after engaging officers 
and men to the number of fourteen he has- 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 

tened onward, overtaking the militia as 
Isaac has said. 

In this camp where military discipline was 
conspicuous by its absence, the recruits, who 
had learned within the hour what had been 
decided upon the night previous by the 
council of war, soon ascertained the position 
which the officer from New Haven claimed, 
and knew exactly what he proposed to do by 
virtue of his commission. 

Even though the men had not learned such 
facts from their officers, those recruits who 
accompanied Colonel Arnold would have at 
once made the matter public. 

At about the time Isaac finished the letter 
to his mother the encampment was in a state 
bordering on insubordination. 

Colonel Arnold’s recruits raised in Stock- 
bridge insisted that their leader should com- 
mand the forces, not only because he was 


78 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


authorized to do so, but owing to the fact 
that he had the money and ammunition 
necessary to carry out the plan, while the 
members of Colonel Allen’s regiment, known 
as the Green Mountain Boys were equally 
determined that such honor as might be 
gained should be their colonel’s, and in a 
brief space of time these new-fledged patriots 
were ripe for riot. 

Now was come the hour when Corporal 
’Lige had shown him some portion of that 
consideration which he believed due his 
experience in military affairs. 

Those members of Colonel Easton’s mili- 
tia regiment which had joined* the ex- 
pedition, jealous because their leader had 
given way to Colonel Allen, now demanded 
loudly and publicly that he must lead the 
party or they would turn back. 

Inasmuch, however, as this portion of the 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


79 


troops amounted to fifty or thereabouts, they 
had a small showing when the Green Moun- 
tain boys, who were more than two hundred 
strong, came forth in turn with their threats. 

Colonel Allen was to be retained first in 
command, as had been decided upon the 
previous evening, or they should march back 
to Bennington without an hour’s delay. 

On the other hand, the men from Stock- 
bridge insisted that Colonel Arnold was the 
lawful commander because he was the only 
one who held a commission for such purpose, 
and threatened that neither money nor 
munitions of war should be given up unless 
his claims were fully recognized. 

On this morning of the eighth of May the 
men were divided into three divisions 
according to their opinions, and it seemed 
much as if the officers were willing they 
should settle it without interference, for 


80 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


those highest in command remained in 
council among themselves, giving no heed to 
the threats which were uttered here and 
there until it seemed positive personal en- 
counters must soon take the place of words. 

The men from round about Pittsfield, recog- 
nizing the need of a leader in what might 
properly be termed a mutiny, selected Cor- 
poral ’Lige as if by common consent, and 
Isaac had but just written his mother’s name 
on the missive which had cost him so much 
labor, when he and the corporal were sur- 
rounded by the faction to which belonged 
their neighbors and friends. 

One of these, a butcher, whose home was 
in Pittsfield, thus addressed the old man, 
using at the beginning of his remark just 
that compliment best calculated to please 
him. 

“ You, who have had so much experience 


CORPORAL ’LICE'S RECRUIT. £1 

in military affairs, Corporal ’Lige, should be 
able to settle this matter without any great 
loss of time, for according to my way of 
thinking it must be arranged among the men 
themselves, or not at all.” 

“I have seen plenty of fightin’, the corporal 
began slowly, as if undecided what words had 
best be used; “but it was in the king’s army, 
as you well know, and there every one in 
command held their commission from his 
majesty, which plainly said he was to be the 
leader. Now it seems in this ’ere case that 
the only officer who has any real authority is 

the one from New Haven ” 

A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the 
old man, and not a few of his neighbors 
accused him of being a traitor because he 
was apparently on the point of giving his 
decision in favor of the stranger. 

Waiting patiently until they had exhausted 


82 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


their anger, and were silent once more, he 
continued placidly : 

“As I said before it seems to me the only 
one with any show of authority is the officer 
from New Haven; but,” and Corporal ’Lige 
emphasized this word, “but what do you 
know of this ’ere Massachusetts Committee 
of Safety? Accordin’ to my way of figurin’, 
that body of men are lookin’ out for matters 
round about Boston, and we’ve got with us 
recruits all the way from Pittsfield up to 
Bennington, none of whom are given over- 
much to heedin’ what the Boston folks think 
is right or wrong. Therefore I say, that while 
the officer from New Haven seems to have 
the only real authority, it strikes me that 
his commission does not extend as far as 
this ’ere spot, where we are encamped.” 

Again he was interrupted ; but this time by 
cries expressive of satisfaction and good will. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 83 

“We were the ones who started the idea of 
taking the fort,” a recruit from Pittsfield 
cried, “and that being the case I hold we’ve 
got the right to say who shall lead us.” 

“But the Green Mountain Boys won’t go 
except their colonel is in command,” 
another added, and a third cried: 

“The men of Stockbridge will hold to Colo- 
nel Arnold, and won’t go on under another.” 

“Well, I’ve heard all that before,” Cor- 
poral ’Lige said in a tone of fine irony. “If 
you have come to me to repeat the same 
story that has been goin’ ’round the encamp- 
ment since daybreak, why then you are 
wastin’ your time. If you want my opinion 
so that this thing can be put right in short 
order, hold your tongues, an’ I’ll give it.” 

“Let Corporal ’Lige finish.” 

“He is soldier enough to know what should 


be done.” 


84 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Go on, corporal, go on.” 

This evidence of popularity was most 
pleasing to the old man, and smiling benig- 
nantly upon those nearest, he said, with the 
air of one who cannot be in the wrong: 

“This is how it must be done: Let them 
as come with Colonel Easton, stick to him; 
the Green Mountain Boys shall hang to the 
tail of Colonel Allen’s coat, and the Stock- 
bridge men may follow Colonel Arnold. 
That makes three bands of us. Now, mark 
you, lads, there are three sides to that ’ere 
fort — one apiece. Let us meet here at what- 
ever hour you will, and then start on the 
minute, each troop taking a different course, 
an’ them who arrive first an’ capture the 
fortification, gets the credit.’’ 

“But we are needing what Colonel Arnold 
brought with him,’’ some one cried. 

“Ay, and you would have heard me fix that 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


85 


if you’d waited. Where did this ’ere Massa- 
chusetts Committee of Safety get these 
munitions of war an’ this money? Why, 
they got it out of the province, of course. 
And where did we come from? Why, we 
come from the province of Massachusetts, of 
course. Then who does this money and 
these munitions of war belong to? Why, 
they belong to us, of course. Now, as near 
as I have heard, there are only fourteen 
following Colonel Arnold. How long will it 
take us to lay our hands on all that stuff? 
Then I guarantee that Colonel Easton — for 
if he wants me to do it I’ll help him in con- 
ducting the campaign — will march straight 
through an’ take Ticonderoga before you’ve 
had time to say Jack Robinson. Never mind 
what the Green-Mountain Boys do, an’ as for 
the Stockbridge men, they ain’t enough for 
the countin’,” 


86 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


The advice which Corporal ’Lige had given 
met with the unqualified approval of all 
whom he addressed, and instantly shouts 
were raised in his honor until those recruits 
who were not in the secret looked about them 
in alarm and dismay as if fearing an at- 
tack. 

Isaac was frightened, of that there could 
be no mistake. 

It seemed to him as if an immediate and 
unquestionably dangerous encounter could 
not be prevented, for already were the men 
hanging about Corporal ’Lige in a dense 
body as bees hang about their queen when 
swarming, all urging that he lead them on to 
wrest from the Stockbridge men the 
property which he had proven did not belong 
to them. 

Isaac glanced this way and then as if try- 
ing to determine in which direction it would 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


87 


be safest to flee, but at this moment his eyes 
fell upon a lad of about his own age, who 
had come in from the highway and was 
staring about him in perplexity. 


88 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER V. 

NATHAN BEMAN. 

In his fear and trouble it seemed to Isaac 
as if this stranger might render him some 
valuable assistance. 

It was as if he stood alone amid the 
recruits, now that Corporal ’Lige had been 
claimed, so to speak, as leader of the Pitts- 
field faction, and the lad needed some one to 
whom he could appeal for advice. 

Therefore it was that while the new-comer 
was staring about him as if distracted by the 
tumult, Isaac approached in the most friendly 
manner as he asked: 

“Are you a recruit?” 

“What do you mean by that?” 

“Do you belong to the soldiers here?’’ 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 89 

“Do yon call these soldiers?” the stranger 
asked almost contemptuously. 

“Well, if they ain’t, what do you call 
them?” 

“They look to me like a crowd of folks 
what was goin’ to have a light pretty soon.” 

“That’s jest what I’m afraid of. Say, do 
you live near here?” 

“No, I came from Shoreham. We heard 
there was a crowd cornin’ to take Fort 
Ticonderoga, an’ seein’s how they didn’t get 
along very fast, I thought I’d come an’ hunt 
’em up. Do you count yourself a soldier?” 

“I did when I left Pittsfield; but I’ve 
kind’er got over that feelin’ now. What’s 
your name?” 

“Nathan Beman.” 

“Mine’s Isaac Rice.” 

“What made you come out with a crowd 


like this?” 


90 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


‘‘All the folks ’round our way was enlist- 
ing, and they said it was the duty of every- 
body to fight against the king. Besides that 
the corporal was going, an’ he agreed to put 
me through in great shape.” 

“Who’s the corporal?” 

“That’s him over there with the red coat 
on.” 

“Do you allow an old chap like him could 
put anybody through in very great shape?” 

“You mustn’t talk like that about Corporal 
’Lige where anybody will hear you. Why, 
he’s a regular soldier; fought under General 
Abercrombie in ’58, an’ I reckon if it hadn’t 
been for him the king’s troops would have 
got it terrible bad.” 

“An’ that’s about the way they did get it.” 

“Well, Corporal ’Lige is here now, an’ it’ll 
be different. Did you ever see the fort?” 

“See it? Why, I’m over there pretty near 


CORPORAL LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


91 


very week. Our folks sell eggs an’ chickens 
an’ such truck to the garrison, an’ I know the 
place jest like I do my own home.” 

“Do you s’pose we can take it?” 

“There seems to be a sight of you here; 
but I shouldn’t want to make a guess till 
after I’d seen whether there’s going to be a 
row among all hands or not. Father says 
when thieves fall out honest men get their 
due.” 

However frightened Isaac might be, he was 
not disposed to allow any boy of his own size 
to call the members of this army thieves, 
even though they were in a state of insubor- 
dination, and forgetting all his fears he 
demanded sternly: 

“Who are you calling thieves?” 

“Now, you needn’t get so huffy, ’cause I 
didn’t mean anything,” Nathan replied 
quietly, and yet with no show of alarm; 


92 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“but father is always sayin’ that, an’ 1 
s’pose it means — well I don’t know what, 
except that all hands of you are fightin’ here, 
an’ it looks like as if Captain Delaplace 
would get the best of it.” 

“Who’s he?” 

“The commandant of the fort, of course 0 ” 

“Well, see here, Nathan, it begins to look 
as though there was goin’ to be a row for a 
fact, and I hoped you lived close by so I 
could go to your house till it was over.” 

“But you’r.e a soldier, ain’t you?” 

“Not much of one.” 

“Well, if you've enlisted, a fight is right 
where you belong,” and Nathan appeared to 
think this settled the matter beyond any 
argument. 

“I ain’t so certain of that; but even if I do 
belong in a fight I shan’t stay in one. It 
seems like as if Corporal ’Lige had turned 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 93 

me off, an’ all he’s thinking about is helping 
our crowd get the best of the Stockbridgers.” 

“Well, there ain’t anything very dangerous 
here yet awhile; suppose we wait an’ see 
how things turn? I don’t care overmuch for 
figh tin’ myself; but that’s no reason why I 
shouldn’t w~ant to know whether there’s 
likely to be a row or not.” 

Isaac admired the courage of his new 
acquaintance and immediately adopted him 
as a protector, taking up his position a pace 
or two in the rear of Nathan as he watched 
the threatening movements. 

The recruits from Pittsfield and vicinity 
were standing in close order with the cor- 
poral at their head, evidently ready for what- 
ever turn might come in affairs. 

Some of them retained their weapons ; but 
the majority appeared to have more confi- 
dence in their fists, and with arms bared to 


94 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


the elbow were awaiting the word which 
would precipitate them upon the small body 
from Stockbridge who guarded the treasure. 

This last detachment had either learned of 
the advice given by Corporal ’Lige, or scented 
danger because they were so few in numbers 
as compared with the other two factions, 
and were standing shoulder to shoulder ready 
to resist an expected attack. 

A short distance away the Green-Mountain 
Boys remained strictly by themselves ; but 
not giving any ’ sign of taking part in the 
lawless proceedings. So long as Ethan 
Allen was considered the head of the expedi- 
tion they were satisfied to stand aloof from 
any brawl. 

As has been said before, the leading 
officers were nowhere to be seen; some of 
the better informed declared they were in 
the shelter near by which had been used as 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


95 


their quarters during the night, and with 
Colonel Arnold were discussing the question 
of superiority in rank. 

Corporal ’Lige hesitated to give the word 
which should precipitate the riot. 

He had been elevated to the position of 
leader and perhaps the responsibility weighed 
heavily upon him, for certain it is that after 
advising what should be done, he evinced a 
disposition to retire from what might be the 
scene of a conflict. 

“Look here, old man, we’re ready to do 
as you have said. Now give the word and 
lead us on to those recruits. We’ll soon find 
out what they’re made of,” one of the men 
said as the corporal turned toward the rear 
much as though intending to join Isaac and 
Nathan: 

“Yes, give the word. This is your plan, and 
we’re ready to carry it out as you have said !” 


96 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


“Fair an’ easy ; fair an’ easy, comrades,” 
Corporal ’Lige said soothingly. “A good 
general doesn’t depend wholly on his plan 
until he’s made certain of the enemy’s posi- 
tion. You don’t allow that we can rush in 
hilter-skilter an’ hope to work our purpose, 
eh?” 

“Why not? There are only 'a dozen of 
them to near fifty of us.” 

“But look at Colonel Allen’s regiment.” 

“Well, what of them? They are not in 
this quarrel, for their commander is leader of 
the expedition so far.” 

“No, they are not in it,” the corporal said; 
“but what assurance have we they won’t 
take a hand as soon as we begin operations? 
Don’t you allow they know what the Stock- 
bridge men brought with them?” 

“Why, everybody in camp knows that.” 

“Then do you suppose they’re goin’ to 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 07 

stand by idly while we take the money and 
munitions?” 

The men began to murmur among them- 
selves, and Corporal ’Lige appeared well 
satisfied that they should thus consume the 
time; but before many minutes had passed 
one and another spoke derisively of the old 
man, asking what his plan was good for if he 
didn’t dare carry it out, or why he had not 
made mention of what Colonel Allen’s men 
might do in event of his suggestion being 
acted upon? 

At first the corporal was not minded to 
take heed of these disparaging remarks ; but 
as the clamor increased he was forced to 
defend himself, and made answer sharply: 

“The plan was good, and the only one 
likely to succeed. When I got that far with 
it you jumped to the idea that it should be 
worked out at once. Now all the while I 


98 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

was keeping my eye fixed on Colonel Allen’s 
men, tryin’ to make up my mind what 
they’d do when we struck the first blow, and 
I haven’t decided yet.” 

“You’re a coward! You claimed to be an 
old soldier, and to know more of warfare 
than any one in this encampment, not except- 
ing the commanders, but yet you don’t dare 
lead fifty men against a dozen!” 

“If I don’t dare it isn’t because I’m afraid 
of bodily injury ; but I can’t afford to stake 
my reputation as a soldier where the chances 
are likely to be so heavy against us. It’s 
one thing to have a good plan, an’ just as 
important to know when to carry it out. If 
we hang together an’ are ready to take 
advantage of the first opportunity that 
comes, then we’ll be showing our strength; 
but not by rushing in hilter-skilter like a 
crowd of boys primed for a rough- an’ -tumble 
fight.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


99 


Corporal ’Lige’s argument was evidently 
considered a good one, for at once the out- 
cries which had been raised against him died 
away, the men yet remaining in position as 
if ready to act upon any suggestion he might 
make. 

“I don’t reckon there’s goin’ to be much 
trouble ’round here after all,” Nathan said in 
a tone of disappointment, and Isaac gave vent 
to a sigh of relief. “It strikes me that old 
man crawled out of a pretty small hole.” 

“Dp you mean to say he wouldn’t dare do 
what the men wanted?” 

“Well, he would be a pretty poor stick if 
he didn’t. There’s four of this crowd to one 
of that. What I allow is he’s afraid of the 
officers, and if this is any kind of a military 
company he’s got good cause to be, accordin’ 
to the way things run up to the fort. There 
you wouldn’t hear privates tellin’ who 


100 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


should command ’em, an’ who shouldn’t, else 
they’d find themselves in trouble.” 

At this moment a great shout went up from 
the Green- Mountain Boys, and as the two 
factions who had stood facing each other 
ready for the encounter glanced around 
quickly, they saw Colonel Ethan Allen 
approaching. 

Then the Stockbridge men set up a shout, 
for Colonel Arnold stepped to Allen’s side as 
if of equal rank, and the Pittsfield detach- 
ment remained silent, because Colonel Eas- 
ton was walking in the rear of these two 
officers. 

“It looks as if our colonel had given in, an’ 
wasn’t countin’ on standin’ up for his own 
rights,” Corporal ’Lige said mournfully. 
“Let one of you run over there an’ tell him 
what we’re ready to do. Say we’ll begin the 
scrimmage as soon as he gives the word,” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


101 


This order was obeyed, and the little troop 
watched the messenger as he approached the 
colonel, and, without so much as touching 
his cap by way of salute, spoke earnestly 
during a few seconds. 

Then Colonel Easton was seen to shake his 
head decidedly, and the man returned to his 
fellows looking thoroughly ashamed. 

“What’s the matter?’’ Corporal ’Lige asked 
sharply. 

“He says if we had any idea of our duties 
as soldiers we should be less ready to advise 
and more eager to obey.” 

“There’s a good deal of sense in that,” the 
corporal said thoughtfully; “but at the same 
time I claim matters are in such shape that 
we’re justified in making the proposition. 
When a body of men have got a commander 
what won’t stand up for himself, it’s time 
the rank and file took the matter in hand,” 


102 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Is that what yon call good soldiering?” 
Nathan Beman asked shrilly, and Isaac 
clutched his new friend by the arm frantically 
for it alarmed him that any one should dare 
ask such a bold question of the corporal. 

The old man turned around angrily ; opened 
his mouth as if to speak, and then, repenting 
of his purpose, faced the on-coming officers 
once more, much as if to say that such a 
question from such a questioner was not 
worthy of regard. 

The group of officers advanced until they 
were standing at equal distances from each 
of the three factions, and Colonel Allen said, 
speaking slowly and distinctly, looking at 
the forces from Stockbridge and Pittsfield: 

“It is no secret that you men are dis- 
gruntled because I have been chosen com- 
mander of the expedition. You are enlisted 
as militia from the province of Massa- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


103 


chusetts and as enroled men have no voice 
in choosing a commander. Therefore I pro- 
pose to make no explanation of the matter; 
but have taken this opportunity to address 
you in order to say that, by the advice and 
with the consent of the others in command, 
those of you who cannot obey such orders 
as may be given regardless of who is the 
leader, had best return home from this point. 
It shall not be counted against you as 
deserters, for the names of those who are 
unwilling to serve cheerfully will be stricken 
quietly from the rolls, without any mention 
whatever, dishonorable or otherwise. Colo- 
nel Arnold presents himself with due 
authority from the province of Massa- 
chusetts to take command of any troops not 
exceeding four hundred which may be raised 
for the purpose of attacking Fort Ticon- 
deroga. Under all the circumstances he has 


104 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


decided to wave his claim of rank and act as 
volunteer until the purpose for which we 
have advanced be accomplished. Now, then, 
those cf yon who cannot obey my orders, 
step to the right.” 

The Green-Mountain Boys began to raise 
shouts of approval, but their colonel checked 
them by saying sternly : 

“Silence in the ranks! Let no man dare 
give voice to his approval or disapproval of 
what may occur in this encampment!” 

It was as if Colonel Easton believed some 
of his men might take advantage of the 
opportunity, and stepping quickly to the 
side of Allen, he said: 

“Lads, when the question came up last 
night as to who should lead this expedition, 
I cast the first vote for Colonel Allen. He is 
a soldier of much experience and great 
ability. It is my earnest desire that he take 



“ SILENCE IN THE RANKS! ” THE COLONEL SAID STERNLY. 

Corporal 'Lite's Uecruit, p. 10U. 



CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


1.05 


upon himself the responsibility of directing 
our movements, and whatsoever he orders 
shall be performed by me faithfully and 
promptly.” 

Colonel Arnold made no attempt to address 
his men, and the three officers stood in 
silence several moments, after which Allen 
said : 

“Because none of you have signified your 
desire to be relieved from the enlistment, 
we will suppose all are willing to go forward, 
and from now out there can be no excuse 
for insubordination or hesitation.” 

This said, the officers withdrew once more, 
and now that their colonel was no longer 
there to check them the Green Mountain 
Boys set up a shout of triumph, which was 
answered by derisive yells from Corporal 
’Lige’s troop, and apparent indifference by 
the men from Stockbridge. 


106 CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 

“I reckon I may as well go home now,” 
Nathan said in a low tone to Isaac. “There 
don’t seem to be any chance of a row be- 
cause the men are going to give in easy 
enough; but I’d like to see ’em find their 
way into the fort. It ain’t so easy as they’re 
countin’ on.” 

“Who is this boy, Isaac?” Corporal ’Lige 
asked as he stepped toward the lads, ap- 
parently glad of an opportunity to disengage 
himself from those who had shown they were 
ready to obey his commands. 

Isaac gave such explanation as was within 
his power, and the old man asked, address- 
ing Nathan: 

“What do you know about Fort Ticon- 
deroga?” 

The boy made reply much as he had to 
Isaac, and the corporal questioned him 
sharply ; 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


107 

“Have you been allowed to roam over the 
fortification at will?” 

“There was no reason why I shouldn’t. I 
know all the boys who live in the fort, an’ 
after I finished what I went for, who’d stop 
us from goin’ ’round?” 

“How many soldiers are there in the 
place?” 

“Somewhere about fifty, I should think.” 

“Women and children?” 

“Yes, ’most twice as many, I reckon, 
though I never counted ’em.” 

“And you say you know all the ins and 
outs of the fort?” 

“Look here, how many times do you want 
me to tell you? Of course I do; but what’s 
that got to do with you?” 

Nathan spoke in such a disrespectful tone 
that Isaac literally trembled lest the corporal 
should fall upon him in his wrath. 


108 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Wait yon here till I come back, an’ see to 
it that yon don’t move from this spot.” 

The corporal gave this command in his 
sternest tones, and without waiting for a 
reply hastened off in the direction where the 
officers had disappeared, while Nathan stood 
looking at his new acquaintance in mingled 
surprise and bewilderment. 

“Now* what does that ol<J man mean when 
he tells me to wait here? What right’s he 
got to order me ’round?” 

“Don’t get disgruntled,” Isaac said im- 
ploringly. “I tell you he’s a great soldier, 
and you’ll see that his order means some- 
thing, ’cause the corporal don’t make foolish 
talk.” 

“Then, what was it I heard when I come 
up here an’ he was tellin’ the men what to 
do, but backed down after findin’ they were 
ready to follow him?” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


109 


“That part of it was all right. The time 
hadn’t come for him to carry out his plans, 
and he explained it. Couldn’t you hear 
him?” 

“I heard what he said; but that didn’t 
deceive me.” 

Then Isaac explained with many a detail 
why the old man was the ablest soldier in 
the encampment, and while he was trying to 
convince the skeptical Nathan, Corporal 
’Lige returned, looking very important and 
mysterious. 

“You’re to come with me,” he said tap- 
ping Nathan on the shoulder. 

“Where?” the boy asked sharply. 

“I said you were to come with me.” 

“Well, you may say it again before I go. I 
want to know what you’re thinkin’ of doin’. 
I ain’t one of these make-believe soldiers that 
can be ordered ’round by such as you*” 


110 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

During an instant the corporal glowered at 
the boy as if of a mind to chastise him for 
his too familiar words, and then Isaac inter- 
posed to save his new-found friend from 
what he feared would be most severe punish- 
ment. 

“He’ll go with you, Corporal ’Lige; don’t 
be angry with him. You see he’s a stranger 
here, an’ doesn’t understand what ” 

“I understand enough not to go till I know 
what he’s about,” Nathan cried angrily, 
wrenching himself free from Isaac’s detain- 
ing grasp and leaping back a few paces. 

The corporal clapped his hand to his sido 
as if to raise a sword, and then realizing that 
he had no such weapon, said in a remarkably 
conciliatory tone : 

“I told Colonel Allen that you were well 
acquainted with the interior of the fort, and 
he would speak with you a few moments.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Ill 


“Well, if you’d said that in the first place 
I would have been willing; but when you 
jumped down on me as if I was one of these 
recruits, I wasn’t goin’ to stand it.” 

“If you are willin’ to come, follow me.” 

“Am I to go with you?” Isaac asked 
pleadingly, and the corporal hesitated an 
instant before replying: 

“Yes, lad, I don’t reckon it’ll do any 
harm, and it may give you an insight into the 
way we manage military affairs.” 


112 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER VI. 

A SQUAD OF FOUR. 

Isaac was in high glee at thus being per- 
mitted to visit headquarters, for even though 
he went there only by permission of Corporal 
’Lige and not because his presence was 
desired, it seemed to him that it was in a 
certain degree a recognition of the possible 
fact that he was really a soldier. 

Nathan Beman, however, did not appear to 
think there was any compliment in the invi- 
tation. Naturally of a suspicious nature, he 
fancied in some way this visit might work to 
his harm, and, in addition, he was displeased 
by the air of superiority which was observa- 
ble in the corporal when he addressed any 
remark to the lad. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. H3 

The old soldier walked several paces in 
advance of the boys, and did not appear to 
think it necessary he should look around to 
see if they were following, for in his mind a 
request to visit headquarters was the same 
as an imperative command, and one which 
no sane person would venture to disobey. 

“I suppose he thinks he can tow me 
’round wherever he likes, and I’ve got a 
mind to show him he can’t,” Nathan said to 
Isaac, motioning with his thumb toward the 
corporal. 

“It’s Colonel Allen who wants to see 
you,” Isaac ventured to suggest timidly. 

“How do you know?” 

“Why Corporal ’Lige said so.” 

“I ain’t certain that makes it true, ’cause 
he’s said a good many things that don’t 
amount to much since I’ve been around this 
place.” 


114 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“But the corporal wouldn’t lie,” Isaac said 
solemnly, and Nathan added with a peculiar 
smile: 

‘‘Oh, no, he wouldn’t lie!” 

“See here, what have you got against the 
corporal?” 

“Me? Why should I have anything 
against him?” 

“That’s what puzzles me; but it seems as 
though you didn’t think very much of him.” 

“Neither do I. I’ve seen soldiers up 
’round Ticonderoga, not make-believes like 
the old man, who is all talk an’ no sub- 
stance.” 

Isaac’s face flushed. He was not disposed 
to let this stranger make sport of Corporal 
’Lige, whom he knew was thoroughly versed 
in the art of warfare, and a brave man 
withal; but before he had decided in his own 
mind how the most telling reproof could be 



“BUT THE CORPORAL WOULDN’T LIE,” ISAAC SAID SOLEMNLY. 

Corporal 'Lige's Recruit , p. 111+. 


























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> 


































► 



















* 









































CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


115 


administered, they arrived at headquarters, 
which was neither more nor less than a shel- 
ter built of pine boughs, situate so far from 
the main encampment as to afford some 
degree of seclusion. 

Isaac judged from the eager look on the 
faces of the officers that this visit was con- 
sidered by them of more importance than it 
was by Nathan, and instantly Corporal ’Lige 
saluted, Colonel Allen asked: 

“Are both the lads acquainted with the 
fort?” 

“No, colonel; here is the one who lives up 
Shoreham way,” and he touched Nathan on 
the shoulder. “This,” he added, motioning 
toward Isaac, “is a recruit I have taken 
under my protection.” 

It was evident that Colonel Allen came 
nearer Nathan’s standard of a soldier than 
Corporal ’Lige, for he stood in a respectful 


116 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


attitude before the officer as if recognizing 
the latter’s right to question him. 

“Is your father alive?” the colonel asked. 

“Yes, sir; he owns a farm up on the lake.” 

“How often have you visited the fort 
within the past year?” 

“Mostly twice a week, sir; never less than 
once.” 

“Then you are sufficiently well acquainted 
with the troops to be able to gain admission 
at any time?” 

“Yes, sir; father sells a lot of truck there, 
an’ I mostly carry it over.” 

“Are you known to Captain Delaplace?” 

“Yes, sir, and his wife as well.” 

“What brought you here, lad?” 

“We heard it said there was a lot of sol- 
diers marchin’ up this way, and I didn’t have 
much of anything to do, so come down to 
have a look at ’em.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. n? 

“Is it generally known near about where 
you live that troops are marching toward the 
fort?” 

“I don’t think so, sir. Simon York, a 
trapper, told father, and it was agreed 
between them that nothing should be spoken 
about it lest the news get out.” 

“Do you know how many soldiers there 
are in the fort now?” 

“Near about fifty, sir.” 

“Hark you, lad, are you minded to do a 
service for those who would strike a blow 
against the king?” 

“I suppose that would depend on what it 
was, an’ how much I’d make out of it,” 
Nathan replied cautiously. 

“Then you are not of the mind to do any- 
thing toward establishing the independence 
of the colonies— it is simply a question of 
shillings and pence?” 


118 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Well, sir, perhaps it is something like 
that,” Nathan replied, growing confused. 
“Father thinks since the news came from 
Concord and Lexington that all the provin- 
cials ought to turn to and show their mettle ; 
but mother says so long as the king’s troops 
buy truck and pay good prices for it, it is our 
business to see that we don’t take the bread 
and butter out of our own mouths.” 

“I understand; yours is what might be 
called a divided household,” and Colonel 
Allen looked around with a smile at his 
companions. 

“I guess I don’t know what you mean by 
that, sir ; but things our way are about as I 
have told you.” 

Corporal ’Lige glowered at the boy who 
thus unblushingly announced that he meas- 
red his patriotism by its value in money, and 
Isaac wondered that a lad so young could 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


119 


talk thus pertly to one as high in authority 
as was Colonel Ethan Allen. 

“If you should be paid six shillings, would 
you be willing to guide one of these gentle- 
men into the fort and come back with him to 
where our troops might then be stationed?” 

“Which one wants to go?” Nathan asked, 
not intending to commit himself until the 
full details were given. 

“This gentleman,” and Colonel Allen 
pointed toward Master Phelps, one of the 
Committee from the Connecticut Assembly. 

Nathan looked at him critically a moment, 
and then asked, as if suspicious some portion 
of the plan was being kept secret from him : 

“Does he want to see Captain Delaplace?” 

“He simply wishes to view the fort, and it 
would be necessary you should pretend he 
was a neighbor who had come with no other 
motive than that of curiosity.” 


120 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


“You couldn’t pass him off for any neigh- 
bor of our’n.” 

“Why not?” 

“’Cause he’s dressed too fine, an’ his face 
is so pale that anybody’d know he didn’t live 
’round here.” 

“All that may be readily changed,” Master 
Phelps interrupted. “I’ll promise to look so 
nearly like one of your neighbors that there 
shall be no question raised.” 

“When do I get the six shillings?” Nathan 
asked. 

“After you have performed the work faith- 
fully to the extent of bringing Master Phelps 
back to me,” Colonel Allen replied, now 
speaking quite sharply. “It would be a 
serious matter indeed if you were to betray 
him to the commandant of the fort, or indi- 
cate that this body of men are near at hand.” 

“If I take the six shillings, I’ll earn ’ em. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 121 

It’s none of my business where you folks 
are, nor what’s goin’ on ’round the fort; all 
I’m looking after is the cash I can make.” 

“Will you undertake the task?” 

“Yes,” Nathan replied, and then, as if a 
sudden thought had come to him, added: 

“I will if this boy goes along too.” 

“Is he a friend of yours?” 

“1 don’t s’pose so, ’cause I never saw him 
before; but it’s goin’ to be mighty pokey all 
alone with a man like him,” and Nathan 
pointed to Master Phelps. 

At this point Corporal ’Lige stepped for- 
ward and saluted, thus attracting the col- 
onel’s attention, after which he motioned 
toward the outside as if to ask for a private 
interview. 

The colonel immediately left the hut, 
followed by the corporal, and Nathan looked 
after them suspiciously, whispering to Isaac: 


122 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Now, what do yon s’pose that old imita- 
tion soldier is up to? He mustn’t try to get 
the best of me.” 

“You needn’t be afraid Corporal ’Lige will 
do anything that’s wrong, ’cause he’s an 
honest man, an’ no imitation of a soldier; 
but a true one.” 

“I ain’t so certain about all that; but you 
seem to have a pretty good idea of him, so 
perhaps he is half-way decent after all.” 

At his point the old soldier and the colonel 
returned, the latter saying when he was 
inside the hut once more: 

“In order that you may have no lack of 
company I propose that Master Phelps, 
Corporal Watkins, and the lad all go with 
you.” 

“Who’s Watkins?” Nathan whispered to 
Isaac. 

“Why, that’s Corporal ’Lige, of course.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


123 


“I knew he was stickin’ his nose into it 
some way.” 

“You’ll be glad to have him, ’cause he’s 
jest as good as he can be after you get 
acquainted.” 

Nathan remained silent a few seconds, and 
then asked abruptly: 

“When does the crowd want to go?” 

“At once. It should be possible to visit 
the fort before sunset.” 

“Well, that’s accordin’ to how fast they 
can walk; but if they start, an’ don’t get 
there in time, father’ll keep them overnight 
without chargin’ more’n what’s right for 
the lodgings.” 

“Very well; you may make ready to set 
out immediately, and when you have 
returned the money shall be paid you.” 

“I’m ready now.” 

“Master Phelps will need a few moments 


m 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


in which to prepare himself for the journey, 
and I doubt not but that the corporal and his 
comrade have some belongings which they 
will want to take with them. Remain you 
here, lad, until the others have made all 
necessary preparations and are in condition 
for the journey.” 

This was a command which Nathan could 
not well disobey; but he looked toward 
Isaac while the latter was hurried away by 
Corporal ’Lige, as if there were yet other 
questions concerning this project which he 
would like to ask. 

“Don’t turn back, lad,” the old soldier said 
when his protege made a move as if to 
return. “There’s to be no time lost, and 
you’ll have good opportunity for talking 
once we’re on the road.” 

“How did it happen the colonel sent you 
and me?” Isaac asked when the two were 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 125 

so far from headquarters that his words 
could not be overheard. 

“That’s owing to the hint I gave Colonel 
Allen when that young skinflint made his 
talk. A lad who won’t take sides in this 
matter ’twixt the colonies and the king, but 
holds out for whatever money he can get, is 
not to be trusted, accordin’ to my way of 
thinkin’. While he was settin’ himself down 
for a cold-blooded, close-fisted specimen of 
humanity such as you wouldn’t look for in 
one so young, I made up my mind that there 
had best be a sharp watch kept of him, else 
a word or two might be dropped at the fort 
which would upset all our plans.” 

“Do you believe he would take Colonel 
Allen’s money and then betray him?” 

“Iam certain a lad who would haggle for 
six shillings under such circumstances as 
this would sell out to the next man who 


126 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


offered half as much more, and the colonel 
was of the same mind after I’d mentioned 
the matter.” 

“I don’t see why I should go.” 

“Don’t you want to?” the corporal asked 
in surprise. 

“Of course it would be more pleasant than 
marching with the troops ; but still I can’t 
understand what good it is possible for me to 
do.” 

“I don’t reckon you will be of any service; 
but the boy had taken a notion to have you 
with him, so it seemed like a good chance for 
me to put my oar in, and between the two of 
us I reckon he won’t have much show of 
playing double.” 

In a very few seconds the corporal and 
Isaac had made their preparations for the 
journey, which simply consisted in gathering 
up all their belongings, much to the surprise 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


127 


of the lad, who questioned whether, if they 
were to go to the fort apparently from 
motives of curiosity, it was well they carried 
muskets. 

“If it seems necessary we can leave them 
where this boy lives; but it is certain we 
cannot depend on any one else bringing our 
luggage along for us, so take what we own, 
lad, an’ then be at home wherever we stop.” 

When the two returned to headquarters 
they found Master Phelps awaiting their 
coming, and Nathan kept close and sus- 
picious watch upon each person and every- 
thing within his range of vision. 

The messenger from the General Assembly 
had made a very decided change in his 
personal appearance, and Isaac was forced 
to look twice before feeling positive this was 
the same Master Phelps whom he had seen 
a few moments before. 


128 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


Now he was clad after the fashion of a 
farmer, in garments which he had probably 
borrowed from some member of the troop; 
his face was browned and soiled, while his 
hands were exceedingly dirty, and even 
Nathan must have been satisfied that the 
commandant of the fort would not see in 
this visitor other than he -professed to be. 

“If that lad had a trifle more sense he’d 
understand there wasn’t anything to be 
gained by deceiving him,” the corporal said 
in a low tone to Isaac; “but he’s so self- 
opinionated he thinks everybody is plotting 
mischief against him.” 

“You don’t seem to like him very well,” 
Isaac ventured to say, and Corporal ’Lige 
replied emphatically: 

“Neither do I.” 

“Then unless he an’ I go off by ourselves, 
I don’t reckon this will be a very pleasant 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


129 


journey,” Isaac said to himself as he thought 
of the corporal and Nathan, each distrusting 
and making complaint against the other. 

Colonel Allen was determined there should 
be no delay in the setting out of this spying 
expedition, and immediately the corporal and 
Isaac showed themselves he insisted that the 
little party start without further loss of time. 

Young Beman at once showed his prefer- 
ence as to a traveling companion, for he 
ranged himself by Isaac’s side, and when the 
corporal would have joined them, said curtly: 

“You’d better keep back with the other 
man. I s’pose I’ll have to lead the way, 
and when we strike off the main road the 
path ain’t wide enough for more than two.” 

“Don’t the highway lead to Shoreham?” 
the corporal asked suspiciously. 

“Yes; but we can save more’n four miles 
by cuttin’ through the woods,” and Nathan 


130 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


hurried Isaac on as a means both of putting 
an end to the corporal’s inquiries, and forc- 
ing him to join Master Phelps. 

Once the journey was well begun young 
Beman presented himself in a more favorable 
light. 

He ceased to refer to the corporal as an 
“imitation soldier,’’ and gave no further 
evidence of being suspicious ; but qestioned 
Isaac as to what the town of Pittsfield was 
like, and concerning Boston, where young 
Rice had visited two years previous in com- 
pany with his father. 

Master Phelps was not accustomed to this 
method of traveling, and when the guide 
struck into the woods where the trail lead 
alternately over a hilly and swampy country 
he was soon forced to declare that he could 
not proceed at such a rapid pace. 

“You will have to slacken up a bit,” Cor- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


131 


poral ’Lige shouted, “for the gentleman ain’t 
used to this kind of footin’.” 

“We can’t go very slow, else we shan’t get 
to the fort before sunset,” Nathan replied 
indifferently, and Master Phelps said in a 
tone which admitted of no argument: 

“It isn’t possible for me to keep pace with 
yc*i. If it so be we fail to finish the journey 
before dark, we can take lodgings with your 
father and accomplish our purpose early to- 
morrow morning.” 

The prospect of introducing to his father 
guests who would pay for all they received, 
was so satisfactory to young Beman that he 
made no protest at being thus forced to 
slacken pace. It may be he was unneces- 
sarily slow from this time out, for it was 
already dark when they arrived at the guide’s 
home, and Nathan said to Master Phelps 
before entering the building: 


132 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT 


“I’ll tell father yon folks want to stay all 
night, and that’s as much as I need say. If 
you count on explaining why you have come, 
it’s none of my business. The officer what 
hired me said I was to keep quiet about 
everything I’d seen down to the camp, so I 
might as well begin by holding my tongue.’’ 

Then Nathan ushered the guests into the 
kitchen, where was found Mr. Beman sitting 
by the fireplace, for the night had grown 
cold and chill, while his wife was preparing 
the supper. 

“Here are some travelers who want to stay 
all night,’’ Nathan announced, and added in 
a lower tone to Isaac, “Come out to the barn 
with me while I do my chores; there’s no 
fun in sittin’ here.’’ 

Five minutes later the three men followed 
the boys, and Isaac fancied it was Master 
Phelps’ intention to explain to the farmer the 


CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 


133 


purpose of their coming, but that he feared 
to do so in the presence of the mistress of 
the household, who, if her son had quoted 
her words correctly, favored the king’s 
representatives rather than the colonists in 
the doings which had lately arisen. 

Nathan took good care that his new friend 
should perform a full share of the evening’s 
work, and Isaac assisted in milking the cows, 
carrying water, and chopping wood until he 
had of a surety earned as bountiful a spread 
as could be set before him. 

The farmer and his guests did not appear 
until they had been summoned twice after 
the appetizing meal was placed upon the 
table, and while she was impatiently await- 
ing them, Mrs. Beman questioned her son 
sharply as to what business his father could 
have with the strangers. 

For a time Nathan avoided making any 


134 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


direct answer ; but when his mother pressed 
him closely he answered her quite as pertly 
as he had Colonel Allen, by saying: 

“I’m to be paid for holdin’ my tongue 
about whatever is goin’ on — I’ll have six 
shillings by this time to-morrow night, an’ I 
can’t afford to talk to anybody.” 

“Six shillings just for holding your tongue, 
Nathan?” 

“Well, it’s for that an’ a little more; but I 
ain’t goin’ to make any talk, so if you want 
me to earn the money you’d better stop 
askin’ questions.” 

“Is your father going to get as much?” 

“I don’t know anything about his trades; 
it’s all I can do to take care of my own, an’ 
work ’em through accordin’ to the agree- 
ment, when there’s so much questionin’ goin’ 
on,” Nathan replied quite sharply, and his 
mother, who was evidently as prudent as 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


135 


himself in financial matters, desisted from 
pressing him further. 

After this brief conversation Isaac felt 
positive Corporal ’Lige need have no fear 
regarding possible treachery on Nathan’s 
part, for if the boy refused to tell his mother 
he surely would be close-mouthed in the 
presence of others. 

When the party finally made their appear- 
ance and were seated at the supper table, the 
three men evidently on the best of terms 
with each other, Mrs. Beman’s curiosity was 
still further aroused, as was but natural. 
Yet no word was dropped during the prog- 
ress of the meal, nor so long as the guests 
remained downstairs, which could have given 
her the slightest clew. 

It was Nathan’s purpose to have Isaac for 
a bed-fellow; but to this his mother made 
emphatic protest, and when the time for 


136 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

retiring came the three guests were con- 
ducted to a room adjoining the kitchen, while 
the farmer’s family retired to the loft above» 

Then it was in cautious whispers that Isaac 
told the corporal why he felt confident there 
was no danger Nathan would betray them, 
and the old soldier said grimly : 

“He didn’t have a fair test when he was 
talking with his mother, ’cause there was no 
chance she would pay him for the informa- 
tion. What I’m afeared of is that some one 
may offer him more than Colonel Allen did, 
an’ then I’ll go bail everything he knows 
will come out in short order.” 

“I don’t believe he would do other than he 
has agreed.” 

“Well, lad, you hold to that opinion, an’ 
I’ll have my own, an’ ’twixt the two of us I 
reckon he won’t be able to do any mischief. 
His father is a proper kind of man; holds to 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 137 

it that the colonists are right in making war 
against the king, and stands ready to do all 
he can in furtherance of the cause. There- 
fore if this young jack-a-napes holds himself 
too high an’ mighty in the mornin’ we shan’t 
be wholly in his power.” 

When day dawned, however, Corporal ’Lige 
had no reason to complain of Nathan. 

The lad showed himself of the mind to earn 
the six shillings, and now that he was at 
home, appeared less suspicious of his com- 
panion’s intentions. 

Perhaps this was due in part to the fact 
that his father, well knowing what the 
visitors would have, took it upon himself to 
give the guide positive instructions, and at 
an early hour Nathan set out accompanied 
by Master Phelps. 

It was his intention that Isaac should be 
one of the party; but to this the farmer made 


138 CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 

decided objections, insisting that more than 
one stranger might cause suspicion, and 
therefore it was that Corporal ’Lige and his 
pupil remained quietly at the farm until noon 
of that day, when the delegate from the Con- 
necticut Assembly returned well pleased 
with what he had seen. 

In a private conversation held with the 
corporal he reported that strong though the 
fortification was, the walls were in a state 
of great dilapidation; few, if any, precau- 
tions taken against surprise ; military disci- 
pline was hardly known, and the sentinels 
in particular were remiss in their duty. 

Master Phelps had no difficulty in making 
such investigations as he chose, and declared 
that in his opinion, providing the garrison 
could be taken by surprise, there was nothing 
to prevent a capture of the fort. 

However, in order that all this might be 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 139 

effected, boats were necessary, and there 
was not a sufficient number on the shores 
near about to convey one -tenth of the men in 
Colonel Allen’s command. 

“It is well you have come with me,” 
Master Phelps said to the corporal, “for while 
I am returning, you and the lad, accom- 
panied by the farmer, shall set about seizing 
all the boats which may be found in this 
vicinity, having due heed to your move- 
ments, however, lest you proceed so far in 
the direction of Crown Point as to arouse 
suspicions in that quarter. Work as expedi- 
tiously as is in your power, for the troops 
will arrive here not later than midnight, and 
it is absolutely necessary there be ready 
proper craft to convey them across the lake.” 

Then Master Phelps, still holding to 
Nathan as a guide, set off to meet the force, 
which was believed to be rapidly approach- 


140 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


ing, and the farmer said impatiently to the 
corporal : 

“If it so be, sir, you count on carrying out 
the orders given ’twixt now and dark, it is 
time for us to be moving, for boats are not 
plentiful hereabout, and we shall have a 
long tramp before gathering as many as 
will carry your force across/’ 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


141 


CHAPTER VII. 

TICONDEROGA. 

It was not necessary Farmer Beman should 
urge Corporal ’Lige to make haste in this 
matter which had been intrusted to him, for 
the old soldier understood full well how 
necessary it was that means of transportation 
for the troops should be at hand when the 
men arrived, and had good reason to believe 
that such task as was assigned him could 
not be readily performed. 

He even showed himself more eager in the 
work than the farmer, for when the latter 
would have delayed in order to eat the noon- 
day meal, the old man positively refused as 
he said : 

“We can have dinner after Ticonderoga has 


142 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


been taken, but until then there must be no 
thought of rest. Although as I understand, 
detachments are to be sent to Skenesborough 
and Panton, it is not positive they can get 
boats from there to this point in time, and 
we must act as if believing the matter of 
transportation depended wholly upon our- 
selves.” 

Had Nathan been there to witness the old 
man’s activity after some special work had 
been set for him, he might have changed his 
opinion about the corporal’s being an “imi- 
tation soldier.” 

He walked here and there, tiring his com- 
panions almost to the verge of exhaustion, 
and yet apparently as fresh as when he 
began ; but when the sun set he had only 
seventeen boats drawn up on the shore at 
that point where it was supposed the troops 
would halt, and Isaac believed there were 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


143 


absolutely no more within the radius of a 
dozen miles. 

“I allow you’ve done your best, corporal,” 
Farmer Beman said as the three stood look- 
ing ruefully at the small number of boats, 
many of which would be loaded to the 
water’s edge with half a dozen men, “and it 
now stands us in hand to get supper, con- 
siderin’ we missed our dinner so com- 
pletely.” 

“There must be no time wasted. Let 
Isaac run up to the house for such provisions 
as your wife can spare, and we’ll set out in 
some other direction, for every craft that we 
add to this ’ere lot is jest so much gained.” 

“You may set out in as many directions as 
you choose; but you will not find another 
boat this night,” Farmer Beman said 
decidedly, and with what was very like a 
show of ill-temper. “I’ve guided you to 


144 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


every place I know of, and if yon are so 
headstrong as to keep on when there’s little 
show of accomplishing anything, you must 
go alone.” 

“And that’s exactly what I shall do,” the . 
corporal said emphatically. “Even though I 
knew nothing would be accomplished I 
should keep on workin’ until the force 
arrived, ’cause it isn’t for me to set down 
and say my task is finished.” 

“If that’s your idea of soldierin’, then I’m 
mighty glad I haven’t enlisted,” and the 
farmer went deliberately to his home, con- 
vinced, as was his son, that the old corporal 
was not as well skilled in warfare as he 
would have it appear. 

Even Isaac was disposed to protest against 
his teacher’s decision, and urged that it was 
little less than folly to think of adding to the 
fleet, for Farmer Beman had declared posi- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


145 


tively there were no more boats in the 
vicinity. 

To this the corporal replied with some 
warmth, and there might have been a 
serious undermining of friendship had not 
Nathan arrived just at that moment. 

“Well, is that all you’ve done this after- 
noon?” he asked sharply, and the corporal 
turned on him fiercely. 

“Do you know of other boats?” 

“Seems to me there’s more’n a hundred 
’round here.” 

“Where are they?” 

Nathan began a list, mentioning this 
neighbor or that, and as often seeing among 
the collection the craft to which he referred, 
until finally he was forced to admit that to 
the best of his knowledge there were no more. 

“I thought you knew of more than a hun- 
dred?” Corporal ’Lige cried fiercely. 


146 


CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 


4 ‘That’s what I reckoned myself ; but when 
I come to figger ’em up they wasn’t there.” 

“You come with us, an’ it may be we’ll 
find another.” 

“What? After I’ve walked down to 
Castleton an’ back to-day, I go with you out 
rowin’? It’ll take more’n six shillings to 
hire me to do anything like that this night; 
besides you haven’t got time before the 
troops get here.” 

“How near are they?” Corporal ’Lige 
asked in alarm. 

“Well, they ought’er be showin’ up by 
this time, for I wasn’t five minutes ahead of 
’em, and — there they are now!” 

Nathan pointed to a group of men who had 
just come into the clearing from amid the 
thicket, and as the old man looked up one of 
the party motioned for him to approach. 

Although Nathan had announced that he 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


147 


was nearly exhausted from his ardent labors, 
his weariness was not so great as his 
curiosity, and he followed the corporal and 
Isaac. 

It was Colonel Arnold, Colonel Easton and 
the two representatives of the Connecticut 
Assembly, who had thus come into view, and 
the former, after explaining to Corporal 
’Lige that the troops had been halted in the 
thicket lest they might be seen from the fort 
even in the gloom, asked concerning the 
means of transportation. 

Chagrined though he was at his inability to 
do more, the corporal was forced to admit 
that he had hardly a sufficient number of 
boats to take over seventy-five or eighty of 
the men; but this the colonel did not at the 
time believe to be of great importance, for it 
seemed positive Captain Herrick from 
Skenesborough, and Captain Douglas from 


148 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Panton, must before midnight send craft 
enough to transfer the entire force. 

Therefore it was that the leaders of the 
party appeared well satisfied, and the cor- 
poral must have come to the conclusion that 
he had fretted himself without reasonable 
cause. 

“You will remain in charge of the fleet,” 
Colonel Allen said to the old soldier, “with 
the boy to act as your lieutenant, and you 
may detail two men as oarsmen in each 
boat. We will set out as soon as the 
remainder of the craft arrives.” 

Then it was that Nathan believed he saw 
an opportunity to add to his earnings of the 
day, and made the proposition that if the 
further sum of four shillings be paid him he 
would aid in ferrying the troops across, pro- 
viding the work could be finished before 
midnight; but if it should be delayed until 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


149 


morning he desired to be paid twice that 
amount. 

No one seemed disposed to take advantage 
of this very generous offer; now that his 
particular portion of the work had been done, 
it was very much as if every one save Isaac 
ignored him. 

“That’s jest the way with these people from 
down ’round Bennington. They get all they 
can for the least money, an’ then throw you 
off. I ought to have held out for more’n six 
shillings when I took that Master Phelps, as 
you call him, over to the fort.’’ 

“But you got paid very well,” Isaac 
suggested. 

“Yes, so far as it went; but if I’d thought 
of all that’s going on I would have put up 
my price, or held out half-hired till the 
business was over.” 

Now for the first time since their meeting 


150 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


did Corporal ’Lige’s pupil speak sharply to 
this friend. 

“You should be ashamed to demand money 
for such work as you have done this day,” 
he said stoutly. “Whatever resistance be 
made to the king is for the benefit of all the 
colonies, and if each one insisted on being 
paid, as you’ve done, his majesty might 
work his will, for there would be none to say 
him nay.” 

Young Beman was both surprised and 
injured by this outburst. 

“That’s what I call pretty tough, after all 
I’ve done for you!” he cried sharply. “If it 
hadn’t been for me you wouldn’t have got 
over here and had a chance of staying all 
night in our house.” 

“I didn’t have a chance without paying for 
it, as I understand Master Phelps is to settle 
with your father for our accommodations,” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 151 

“Yes, an’ just before I come away mother 
told me she thought as likely as not father’d 
be such a fool as to refuse to take a cent; 
but I ain’t goin’ to quarrel with you, even if 
I have been defrauded of what is my right. 
Come up to the house an’ get some supper, 
won’t you?” 

“You mean that I shall partake of the food 
after I have helped you do the chores?” 

“Well, yes, something like that. Of course 
you don’t expect to get your supper for 
nothing.” 

“No; I’d rather go without than do more 
work now after tramping around all the after- 
noon. There’ll be something in the way of 
rations found in camp, an’ I’ll take my 
chances there.” 

Young Beman turned away quickly as if 
angry with this new friend, and observing 
the movement Corporal ’Lige asked Isaac: 


152 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“What’s the trouble with yon skinflint? 
Haven’t been quarrelin’, eh?” 

“I think I have seen enough of a lad who 
must be paid for all he does at such a time,” 
and having said this Isaac went in search of 
his supper, not minded to make further 
explanations. 

Weary though he was, the lad was soon 
forced to aid the corporal in getting the 
boats’ crews together, and after it was fully 
dark those selected to act as oarsmen were 
marched to the water’s edge, that they might 
be in readiness when their services were 
required. 

After this there was nothing to be done 
save await the coming of the expected craft. 

The men were not allowed to build fires 
lest the lights should be seen by those in the 
fort, and so cautious was the leader that 
even loud talking was forbidden, therefore 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 153 

the men could do little else than spend the 
time in sleeping, a fact by no means dis- 
agreeable to the majority after their march 
of the day. 

On the shore of the lake the oarsmen 
followed the example of their comrades in 
the woods, until all save the corporal and 
Isaac were wrapped in the unconsciousness 
of slumber. 

The old soldier, considering himself re- 
sponsible for the safety of the fleet, would 
neither lie down nor allow his young lieu- 
tenant to do so, and they paced to and fro on 
the sand keeping sharp lookout for the 
expected boats, but without avail. 

Midnight came, and yet no word from 
either of the two detachments which had 
been sent in search of means of transpor- 
tation. 

Colonel Allen and Colonel Arnold, growing 


154 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


impatient because of the long delay, came to 
the shore, and Corporal ’Lige stood stiff as 
the barrel of his own musket when he 
saluted. 

“How many can be taken in the boats you 
have here?” Colonel Arnold asked. 

“Somewhere about eighty, sir, and if it so 
be you give the word we can ferry the whole 
party across in three trips.” 

“That would never do,” Colonel Arnold 
replied decidedly. “We must go in a body 
or give up all hope of surprising the gar- 
rison.” 

In this Colonel Allen was agreed, and the 
two officers remained near at hand, now 
pacing to and fro, and again listening intently 
for those sounds which would tell of the 
hoped-for arrival, until it lacked no more 
than two hours of daybreak, when they were 
joined by Master Phelps and Colonel Easton, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


155 



the latter saying sufficiently loud for Isaac to 
distinguish the words : 

“Unless such a move is made as may be 
possible with the means at our disposal, the 
plan of capturing the fort has come to naught, 
for it isn’t reasonable to suppose our party can 
remain in this vicinity throughout to-morrow 
without some intimation being given the 
commandant by those who live in the 
vicinity.” 

What was evidently a conversation be- 
tween the officers followed ; but it was con- 
ducted in so low a tone that Isaac could not 
hear the words, and he remained near at 
hand expecting to receive the order to launch 
the boats, until Colonel Easton called him by 
name. 

“You know where is situated the home of 
the lad who guided Master Phelps into the 
fort?” 


156 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Oh, yes, sir; it is but a short distance 
from here.” 

“Go yon there, and bring the boy.” 

“I question if he will come, sir, unless I 
make explanation of why he is wanted, or 
promise that he shall be paid for thus dis- 
turbing himself. He seems to have no 
thought save of money.” 

“Yet, his father is with us in this matter, 
I am told, so far as opinion goes.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Then go and rouse the lad; if he refuses 
to come, say to the father that Colonel Allen 
requires the services of the boy, and if he 
answers not what we make as a request, 
I will send a detachment to enforce a 
demand.” 

Isaac obeyed promptly, not finding it a 
simple matter to make his way across the 
field in the darkness; but finally succeeding 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 157 

after one or two tumbles, each of which left 
their marks in the shape of a scratch or con- 
tusion, and with the first knock at the door 
he heard Farmer Beman’s voice asking as to 
who was there. 

“It is Isaac Rice, sir, and Colonel Easton 
has sent me to say that Colonel Allen desires 
the attendance of Nathan at once.” 

“What does he want him for?” the shrill 
voice of Mrs. Beman cried, and Isaac replied 
truthfully that he did not know, since no 
explanation had been made him. 

Then could be heard the farmer, his wife, 
and son in what was evidently an altercation, 
until no less than five minutes had passed, at 
the end of which time young Nathan ap- 
peared in the doorway fully clad, as he asked 
impatiently : 

“How much are they willing to give me for 
coming out in the night like this?” 


158 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“I think it would he well if you depended 
upon their generosity, otherwise it is in 
Colonel Allen’s power to force you to do as 
he asks,” Isaac replied curtly, and from the 
inside Farmer Beman shouted: 

“Get you gone, boy, and do their bidding. 
If I again hear you demanding money for 
such services, your jacket shall be tanned 
with the stoutest hickory switch I can get 
hereabouts.” 

One would have said young Beman was the 
most abused lad in the province of New 
York, as he followed Isaac down to the shore, 
alternately bewailing his ill-fortune because 
he had not given Captain Delaplace informa- 
tion of the coming of such a body of men, 
trusting to that officer’s generosity for a 
greater sum of money than was given him by 
Colonel Allen, and vehemently protesting he 
would not stir one step from the encamp- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


159 


ment without being well paid for his services. 
Colonel Easton, overhearing this threat, 
stepped directly in front of the grumbling lad 
and called for Corporal ’Lige, much to the 
surprise of both the boys, saying when the 
old soldier arrived : 

“Corporal, it is Colonel Allen’s wish that 
this lad remain near him after we have 
landed on the other side, to show the way 
into the fort. He is not disposed to do so 
willingly, it seems, and it shall be your duty 
to see that the order be obeyed. If he 
attempts to escape, shoot him down ; but give 
him gentle treatment so long as he complies 
with your requests.” 

“I’ll take care of him, sir, that you may 
deoend on,” the corporal said grimly, and 
from that instant Nathan Beman remained 
silent regarding his desire to be paid for 
acting the part of guide, 


160 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Because of having received this order the 
corporal was forced to relinquish his position 
as commodore of the fleet, and thus it was 
that he and his pupil were among the few 
who entered Ticonderoga early that morning. 

Within five minutes after Nathan had 
apparently been subdued, word was passed 
for as many of the Green Mountain Boys as 
could be conveyed in the boats to embark at 
once, and almost at the same moment Col- 
onel Easton, turning to the old man, said: 

“It is your duty, Corporal ’Lige, to take 
passage in the same craft that carries our 
leader, for the lad of whom you have charge 
must be kept where Colonel Allen can speak 
to him at an instant’s notice.’’ 

Had the men been allowed to follow their 
inclinations, the frail boats which formed the 
fleet would have been swamped even before 
they pushed off from the shore, for every 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


161 


member of the troop was eager to be with 
the first division, and it was only after con- 
siderable difficulty in the way of restraining 
the men that the different craft were 
properly and safely loaded. 

When the corporal and the lad who was 
thus virtually held prisoner entered the boat 
where was Colonel Allen, Isaac followed as 
if it was his right so to do. 

He could not fancy any position of affairs 
where he would be debarred from remaining 
with the man who had taken him “under his 
wing,” and it so chanced that in the excite- 
ment of embarking he passed aboard un- 
heeded by who might have checked him. 

The darkness of night was just giving way 
to the gray light of dawn when the little fleet 
put off from the shore, and without being 
really aware he did so, Isaac counted the 
number of those who were thus afloat. 


162 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Beside the officers, there were eighty- 
three, including himself and Nathan, and it 
was no longer reasonable to expect that 
those who had been sent to Skenesborough 
and Panton would arrive in time to be of 
assistance. 

“Will they try to take the fort with so 
few?” he asked in a whisper of Corporal 
’Lige, and the latter added emphatically: 

“If all that is told of Colonel Allen be true, 
he wouldn’t hesitate to make an attempt 
single-handed.” 

“But surely we cannot hope to do much, 
for fifty men behind a fort should be a much 
larger force than ours.” 

“Savin’ and exceptin’ these men be sur- 
prised, as our leader counts them in Fort 
Ticonderoga will be,” the corporal replied, 
and then placed his finger on his lips that the 
lad should cease talking, for the order had 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


163 


been passed from boat to boat just before the 
fleet left the shore that no conversation be 
indulged in. 

Nathan, sulky because of having been put 
in charge of the man whom he disliked, gave 
no apparent attention to anything. 

In almost perfect silence the journey by 
water was made, and brought to an end just 
as the day was breaking, when, in obedience 
to signals rather than words, the men disem- 
barked and were formed in three ranks close 
to the water’s ege. 

Then it was that Colonel Allen advanced 
to where the men might hear when he spoke 
in the tone of ordinary conversation, and 
said with a calmness which in itself was 
impressive : 

“There are but few of us here to under- 
take the work which was cut out; but yet 
each of you should be a match for any two 


164 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


whom we may meet. Should we delay until 
all the force can be ferried across, there will 
be no longer opportunity to surprise the 
garrison; therefore we must act for our com- 
rades as well as ourselves, remembering that 
should we falter we cast shame on them also. 
Now, lads, it is my purpose to march into 
the fort, and I only ask that you follow 
where I lead.” 

The officers stepped forward quickly to 
make certain there should be no cheering, 
and wheeling about with true military pre- 
cision Colonel Allen started forward, Colonel 
Arnold by his side, and Corporal ’Lige with 
Nathan and Isaac directly in the rear. 

Behind them came eighty of the Green 
Mountain Boys. 

There was no command given. 

Each of the men copied the movements of 
the leader, and noiselessly but rapidly they 


CORPORAL ’LIOE’S RECRUIT. 165 

made their way up the heights toward the 
sallyport, Isaac's face paling as he went, 
for he believed of a surety now was come 
the time when he should hear the clash of 
arms and find himself in the midst of com- 
batants, each striving to take the other’s 
life. 

On passing an angle at the rear of the forti- 
fication the entrance of a trench or covert- 
way was come upon and here they surprised 
a sentinel half asleep, leaning against the 
earthwork. 

Awakened thus suddenly, and seeing what 
he might naturally suppose to be the advance 
guard of a large force directly upon him, he 
took hasty aim at Colonel Allen and pulled 
the trigger. 

Involuntarily Isaac closed his eyes, believ- 
ing their leader must be killed at such short 
range, but the weapon hung fire and the 


166 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


sentinel took to his heels through this trench, 
the attacking party following at full speed. 

The fugitive led the way to the parade- 
ground within the barracks, where was found 
another sentinel, and he made a thrust with 
his bayonet at Colonel Easton, who was side 
by side with the leaders ; but had hardly 
raised his weapon before a blow from the flat 
of Colonel Allen’s sword sent him headlong 
to the ground. 

At this the men, unable longer to control 
themselves, gave vent to a tremendous shout, 
and without orders separated into two 
divisions, each bent on gaining possession of 
the barrack ranges. 

As bees swarm out of their hives, so did 
he startled redcoats rush from the buildings, 
and it seemed to Isaac as if instantly each 
man appeared he was disarmed by one of the 
Green Mountain Boys, who, as fast as he 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


167 


secured a captive, marched him to the center 
of the parade-ground in order that he might 
not block up the entrance of the barracks. 

Now was come the moment when Nathan’s 
services were required. 

It was no longer possible to keep silence, 
for the shouts of the men must have aroused 
every one within the inclosure, and turning 
quickly, Colonel Allen cried in a loud 
voice: 

“Get you before me with that lad, corporal 
and let him lead the way to the command- 
ant’s quarters.” 

Nathan did not require urging. 

He understood that this man had come 
with serious purpose, and knew full well it 
might be dangerous for him to hang back. 

Darting ahead as swiftly as the corporal 
would allow, he conducted Colonel Allen to 
the door of Captain Delaplace’s dwelling, 


168 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

and the leader gave three resounding knocks 
with the hilt of his sword, as he shouted: 

“Surrender this fort, commandant! Sur- 
render at once in order to save the lives of 
your men!” 

The door was quickly opened in response 
to this demand, and a half-clad man, over 
whose shoulder could he seen the frightened 
face of a woman, appeared in the doorway. 

Before he could speak Colonel Allen cried : 

“I order you instantly to surrender, .sir !” 

“By whose authority do you make such 
demand?” the captain cried with dignity. 

“In the name of the Great Jehovah and the 
Continental Congress!” 

These words sounded in Isaac’s ears like 
the thunder of cannon, and even while he 
questioned to himself if it were possible this 
handful of men had really captured the for- 
tress, Ticonderoga was surrendered. 



BEFORE HE COULD SPEAK, COLONEL ALLEN CRIED : “ I ORDER YOU INSTANTLY 
TO SURRENDER, IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT JEHOVAH AND THE 
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.’' 

Corporal 'Lige's Recruit, p, 163, 





r a 






































































CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


169 


CHAPTER VIII. 

AN INTERRUPTION. 

Nathan, who had looked upon the men 
under Colonel Allen much as he had Cor- 
poral ’Lige, was literally amazed by this 
ready submission of the king’s troops, stand- 
ing silent and motionless by the side of Isaac 
as the garrison was paraded without arms, 
and the surrender made in due form. 

Some days afterward Isaac learned that 
the spoils of war at this place were one hun- 
dred and twenty iron cannon, fifty swivels, 
two ten-inch mortars, one howitzer, one 
cohorn, ten tons musket-balls, three cart- 
loads flints, thirty gun-carriages, a quantity 
of shells, a large amount of material for boat 
building, one hundred stand of small arms, 


170 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


ten casks of powder, two brass cannon, thirty 
barrels of flour and eighteen barrels of pork. 

Forty-eight soldiers were surrendered and 
preparations were at once begun to send 
these, together with the women and children, 
to Hartford. 

Hardly was the surrender made complete 
when such of the troops as had been left on 
the opposite shore under Seth Warner, ar- 
rived in a schooner, much to the surprise of 
all, until it was learned that Captain Herrick, 
who had been sent to Skenesborough to seize 
the son of the governor, had succeeded in his 
mission without bloodshed. 

He took not only the young major, but 
twelve negroes and attendants, seized the 
schooner owned by the elder Skene, and had 
come down the lake in the early morning 
with the hope of aiding in the capture of 
Ticonderoga. 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


m 


Isaac had supposed this victory would end 
the adventure, and was saying to himself 
that his experience had been rather pleasing 
than otherwise, so much so in fact that he 
almost regretted the time was near at hand 
for him to return home, when he saw, much 
to his surprise, a portion of the troops being 
formed in line as if to leave Ticonderoga. 

Corporal ’Lige had been assigned to the 
task of overhauling the goods in the ware- 
house for the purpose of making out a list of 
the same, and rt was to him that Isaac, 
followed by Nathan, went for information. 

“Forming in line, eh?” the old man asked 
as, wiping the perspiration from his face, he 
went outside to have a look around, and 
instantly he noted the preparations which 
were making, turned back to his work as if 
it was of but little concern. 

“What is the meaning of that, corporal?” 


172 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

Isaac suggested. “Are we going back with- 
out having stayed here a single day?” 

“There will be no turnin’ back, lad, until 
the work is finished, and the fort at Crown 
Point yet remains to be taken. I allow Seth 
Warner is goin’ to tackle that job, which 
won’t be a difficult one, since it is said 
there are not above a dozen men in the 
garrison.” 

“Suppose you an’ I go with ’em?” Nathan 
suggested, now no longer eager to demand 
money for his services; but, fired by what 
he had seen, and burning to participate in 
new conquests. 

“What do you say, corporal?” Isaac asked, 
feeling that it was necessary to gain the old 
man’s permission before he could join in the 
adventure. 

Again Corporal ’Lige went to the door of 
the warehouse, looking about him with the 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 173 

air of a weather-prophet, after which he 
replied in a careless tone : 

“I don’t reckon it makes any difference 
whether you lads are here or sailin’ ’round 
the lake, therefore if Seth Warner gives his 
permission, you may go so far as I am con- 
cerned; hut it’ll be only a question of 
whifflin’ from one point to another, for while 
the wind holds in this direction I’m allowin’ 
none of the force will reach Crown Point.” 

“The wind is likely to haul ’round after 
sunset, so let us take our chances,” Nathan 
whispered, and Isaac was not loth to embark. 

Therefore the two started across the 
parade-ground for the purpose of speaking 
with the old hunter — Seth Warner — when 
Captain Herrick, who had just made his 
report of the night’s work at Skenesborough, 
halted the boys by saying: 

“I reckon you two lads are the ones Colo- 


174 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


nel Allen would speak with at once? You 
will find him in the commandant’s quarters.” 

“He is most likely thinkin’ of payin’ me 
for cornin’ over last night,” Nathan said as 
the two turned to obey the command, “and I 
have made up my mind -not to take money 
for the service.” 

Isaac looked at his companion in surprise, 
and the latter added almost shame-facedly : 

“I reckon father was right when he said 
every one in the colonies should do all he 
could in this cause, and, besides, it looks to 
me as if the king’s troops would speedily get 
the worst of it.” 

Young Beman was not unlike many in the 
neighborhood who in after-days were royal- 
ists or patriots as the cause of freedom grew 
weak or strong. 

However, Nathan had no opportunity to 
refuse a payment of money for his services, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 175 

for when the lads stood before Colonel Allen, 
the latter said in a tone of command, and yet 
with the air of one asking a favor: 

“I want to send a messenger to Sudbury. 
Do you think you can find the place, Isaac 
Rice?” 

“I will show him the way, sir,” Nathan 
said promptly, and the colonel favored him 
with a glance of surprise, but took no further 
heed of his sudden complaisance. 

“At that settlement you will find one 
Captain Remember Baker; tell him what has 
been done at this point, and say it is my 
wish he join me here without delay. Select 
the lightest boat you can find for crossing 
the lake, and make all haste.” 

Then the colonel turned away, intent upon 
the work of preparing a list of the garrison 
which had surrendered, and some of his 
officers entering for further instructions pre- 


176 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


vented the boys from making any inquiries 
concerning the mission. 

On leaving the quarters, Nathan, eager to 
serve this new commander of the fort with 
all possible celerity, would have hastened at 
once to the shore in order to set out, but that 
Isaac insisted upon giving Corporal ’Lige due 
information as to their proposed movements, 
much to the displeasure of young Beman, 
who claimed that the old soldier was of no 
account when the colonel had given orders. 

“Well, this one is,” Isaac said stoutly. 
“He’s a good friend of mine, and I wouldn’t 
think of leavin’ without first tellin’ him, no 
matter whose orders I was obeying.” 

“Well, I s’pose you must have your own 
way, but the time will come when you won’t 
think so much of that pig-headed old man as 
you do now.” 

To this ill-natured remark the lad did not 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


177 


reply, but on presenting himself to Corporal 
’Lige and explaining what he was about to 
do, the latter, still busy with his work of 
taking account of the stores, made very 
much the same remark as had Nathan. 

“Don’t consider, lad, that you are to report 
to me when ordered on duty. Be careful of 
yourself; do not run into danger needlessly, 
and get you gone without delay, for Colonel 
Allen is a man who doesn’t take kindly to 
loiterers.’’ 

Nathan showed himself to be one who 
could perform a task promptly and in good 
order when it suited his pleasure so 
to do. 

He it was who selected the boat in which 
they were to cross the lake; borrowed a 
musket from one of the men that he might 
not be forced to make the journey weapon- 
less, and succeeding in begging such an 


178 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


amount of provisions as would serve them 
for dinner. 

While these few preparations were being 
made, Warner, with a detachment of twenty 
five men from Colonel Allen’s regiment, put 
off on his journey to Crown Point, and after 
watching them a moment Nathan Beman said 
in a tone of one who is satisfied with himself: 

“It’s jest as well we didn’t have a chance 
to go with that crowd, for they won’t get 
anywhere near there until the wind changes, 
and it seems as though whoever is in charge 
of the job, ought to know it.” 

“I suppose the plan is to take the fort by 
surprise, as was this one, and unless our 
people get there soon, it will be a failure, 
because the news of what has been done here 
must fly over the country quickly.” 

“While the wind blows this way, and so 
strong, no one will get up the lake, therefore 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


1?9 


the garrison won’t learn of the surrender of 
Ticonderoga unless some one goes across the 
country. However, we needn’t bother, 
seein’s our work is all cut an’ dried, and we 
had better not waste too much time here.” 

Isaac was beginning to entertain a very 
friendly feeling toward this lad now that he 
had changed his views so entirely regarding 
the value of his services, and, as a matter of 
course, Nathan could be a most pleasing 
traveling companion when it suited his pur- 
pose, as it did at present. 

The journey to Sudbury proved to be a 
longer one than was anticipated. 

A strong wind which blew directly down 
the lake, carried the boys fully two miles 
below the point at which they should have 
landed, and Nathan was much averse to fol- 
lowing back along the shore in order to gain 
the trail which led to Sudbury, 


180 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“It will be just that much useless labor,” 
he said emphatically, “and I am not given to 
walking more than may be necessary.” 

“But there’s a chance of going astray if we 
strike across from here,” Isaac suggested, for, 
as has already been shown, he knew little of 
woodcraft, and this traveling blindly around 
a section of the country where there was 
every reason to believe enemies might be 
found was not to his liking. 

“I’d be a mighty poor sort of a guide if I 
couldn’t go across from here without straying 
from the course so much as a dozen yards,” 
Master Beman said decidedly. “To walk up 
the shore two miles or more only for the 
purpose of striking the trail, is foolishness.” 

“But the thicket is so dense here,” Isaac 
suggested timidly, almost fearing to venture 
an opinion lest he should provoke the 
mirth of his companion. “It will be harder 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. *81 

to make our way through than to go 
around.” 

Nathan made no reply. 

He bestowed upon 'Corporal ’Lige’s recruit 
a glance as of pity, and then, without further 
words, plunged into the underbrush. 

Master Rice could do no less than follow. 

Before the boys had traveled half an hour 
on the direct course to Sudbury, it is more 
than probable young Beman repented of 
having attempted to make a “short cut,” for 
the advance was indeed difficult. 

At times it was really painful to force 
one’s way through the tangled foliage, while 
now and again the boys found themselves 
floundering over swampy land; but Nathan 
made no complaint because he was respon- 
sible for having taken such a course, and 
Isaac hardly dared protest lest his companion 
should be angered. 


182 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“I still maintain that it was better to come 
this way than travel two miles in vain,” 
Nathan said as he threw himself upon the 
ground, and Corporal ’Lige’s recruit ventured 
to suggest mildly : 

“I’d rather walk three miles on the shore 
than one here, where a fellow is obliged to 
fight his way through.” 

“Perhaps you know this country better 
than I do, and would take the lead?” 

“Not so. You left Ticonderoga as guide, 
and it would not be seemly in me, who am a 
stranger here as well as a lad unaccustomed 
to this sort of warfare which is now being 
conducted, to do other than follow your lead; 
but ” 

The remark which was intended to soothe 
the irritation in the guide’s breast was not 
concluded, for Isaac was interrupted by the 
sudden and unexpected appearance of three 


CORPORAL 'LICE’S RECRUIT. 183 

men, who came upon the boys as if from an 
ambush. 

“Hullo!” Master Beman cried carelessly as 
if something in the way of a salutation was 
expected from him. 

Instead of replying to this hail the two 
lads were seized roughly, and without a word 
the strangers, taking possession of the mus- 
ket, began searching the messengers’ cloth- 
ing as if expecting something of value or 
importance would be found. 

“Look here! What are you about?” 
Nathan cried angrily, while Isaac submitted 
in silence, for he understood that these three 
might be enemies to the cause. “What 
do you mean by handling me in this 
shape?” 

“Better keep your tongue between your 
teeth, young Beman,” one of the men said in 
a surly tone. “When we ask for information 


184 


CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 


there’ll be time enough for you to wag it so 
freely.” 

Surprised at having been thus recognized, 
and heedless of the warning, Nathan con- 
tinued : 

“Who are you? I never saw you before! 
What right have you to handle me in this 
fashion?” 

“The right of any of his majesty’s subjects, 
for in these times it is w T ell to overhaul every 
rebel one runs across.” - 

“I’m no rebel!” Nathan cried, now exhibit- 
ing signs of alarm. 

“Your father is, which amounts to the 
same thing,” the man replied, as, after hav- 
ing satisfied himself the lad had nothing 
concealed about his person, he rose to his 
feet. “Why are you abroad to-day?” 

“How long since is it that a lad may not 
move about as he wishes?’' 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


185 


“ Since rebellion first showed its head in 
these colonies. Now, answer my question, 
or it will be the worse for yon!” 

Isaac, thoroughly alarmed, had made no 
resistance either by word or movement when 
the stranger searched him, and although 
ignorant, as he had often said, of warfare, 
he understood now full well that they were 
fallen into the hands of enemies, who would 
not hesitate at the taking of human life in 
order to compass their ends. 

Therefore he remained stretched upon the 
ground as when the men first came upon 
them, so terrified that it was almost impos- 
sible either to move or speak. 

Young Beman was frightened, but not to 
such an extent as to prevent him from dis- 
playing anger, and instead of replying to the 
question he attempted to rise to his feet. 

A blow delivered with unnecessary force 


186 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


sent him headlong to the ground again, and 
his captor said warningly : 

“Have a care what you are about, Nathan 
Beman, for we are not disposed either to 
bandy words or waste much time on such as 
you, who, having professed friendship for 
those in the fort, was ready to betray them.” 

Now, Nathan’s fears were as great as 
Isaac’s; but he made one more effort at 
asserting himself, and began by telling a 
lie. 

“What have I done at the fort? I am but 
just come from my father’s house.” 

“Take that for the falsehood, and this for 
believing us to be fools, who can be deceived 
by such as you,” the man replied as he 
viciously kicked the boy twice. “You have 
but just come from Ticonderoga, and must 
have been sent by the rebels who captured 
the fort.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


187 


“What reason have yon for saying that?” 
Nathan asked in a more subdued tone. 

“First, the fact of your being here, and 
secondly because your comrade spoke, while 
we were within hearing, of your having been 
sent from Ticonderoga.” 

Nathan shot an angry glance toward Isaac 
as if Corporal ’Lige’s recruit alone was to 
blame for this unpleasant interruption to the 
journey ; but he ventured no reply lest 
further chastisement might follow. 

“Tell me to whom you are sent, and have 
a care in the replying, for we are not minded 
to waste much time upon such as you.” 

Nathan was beginning to understand that 
he was wholly in the power of an enemy, 
whom he could not readily deceive, and also 
believed that it might be painful for him if 
the answer was delayed. 

He was not so devoted to the cause as to 


1S8 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


be willing to suffer in its behalf, and, there- 
fore, said surlily: 

“.We were going to Captain Remember 
Baker at Sudbury.” 

“Who sent you?” 

“Colonel Allen.” 

“Where is the message you are carrying?” 

“He gave us none save byword of mouth.” 

“Repeat it, and be careful lest you make 
the mistake of telling another lie.” 

“There is nothing in it of importance or 
interest to you. It was simply that Captain 
Baker should come at once to Ticonderoga.” 

“Then the fort was taken last night?” 

“I thought you knew that?” Nathan cried 
in surprise, now understanding that he had 
divulged what it was most important should 
have been kept a profound secret until Crown 
Point had been captured. 

“We heard that the rebels were marching 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


189 


toward the fort; but could not get there in 
time to warn the commandant.” 

“Why was it you made prisoners of two 
boys if you were not knowing to all that has 
taken place?” Nathan asked, his curiosity 
getting the better of his fears. 

“We took the chance that you could give 
us the desired information, because it was 
not reasonable old Beman’s son should be in 
this section unless on business of his father’s, 
and in these times one can well guess what 
that business might be. Therefore, having 
heard you floundering through the thicket, 
we drew near to listen to such conversation 
as you might indulge in.” 

“Are you going to waste time explaining 
our purpose to that young cub, Jason Went- 
worth?” one of the men asked impatiently, 
and he who had been addressed replied with 
a laugh : 


100 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“We are not in as much haste now as we 
were half an hour ago, Ezra Jones. Captain 
Baker will not get the message, and while 
the wind holds in this quarter I’m allowing 
the rebels won’t reach Crown Point before 
we do.’’ 

“They will if we loiter here all day. Truss 
up the lads, so they can do no mischief, and 
let us be off.” 

“Would you leave them here in the thicket, 
Ezra Jones?” 

“Why not?” 

“They might starve to death, and while 
I’m willing to serve the king in all things, it 
is not my intent to be thus barbarous.” 

“They can make themselves heard if any 
one passes by on the trail,” the third man 
replied very carelessly, and Ezra added 
quickly : 

“Ay! I had not thought of that. They 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 191 

must be gagged, or, what may be better for 
us, shot offhand.” 

“Are you willing to kill two boys in cold 
blood, Ezra Jones?” 

There was no reply to this question, and 
Jason Wentworth turned round to the other 
man. 

“Matthew White, will you take it upon 
yourself to do what is little less than 
murder?” 

“No; carry them further into the thicket, 
where they cannot be heard from the trail, 
and there tie them up.” 

“It were better we shot them at once, than 
leave them to starve,” Jason Wentworth said 
much as if speaking to himself, and during 
this conversation the feelings of the two lads 
can be faintly imagined. 

The question of their death by bullet or 
starvation was being discussed in such a 


192 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


business-like manner, as if there was no 
alternative, that the boys were literally 
paralyzed with fear. 

It seemed to Isaac Rice as if the three men 
remained silent fully five minutes before 
Jason Wentworth spoke again, and then it 
was with the air of one who has decided 
some vexed question. 

“I’m not willing to play the part of a 
savage,” he said, speaking slowly in order to 
give his words due weight. “Neither do I 
propose that they shall carry the message. 
We’ll take them with us.” 

“And thus we shall be caused much 
delay,” Ezra Jones muttered. 

“If they are wise we will travel as rapidly 
as when alone, and in case of a refusal to 
obey orders they can be shot, or left to 
starve, as easily half an hour hence as now. 
Besides, there will* be much work at the oars 


CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT. 193 

’twixt here and Crown Point, and they can 
do a little more than their share of it.” 

Perhaps it was this last suggestion which 
caused the other two men to agree to the 
proposition. 

At all events, no further objection was 
made, and Master Wentworth took it upon 
himself to direct the march of the prisoners. 

“You are to keep half a dozen paces in 
advance, and take good care there is no 
loitering, or any attempt at giving us the 
slip,” he said to the boys, who yet lay upon 
the ground. “I do not propose that you shall 
be starved to death ; but at the same time I 
would put a musket-ball into one or both of 
you without compunction, rather than suffer 
delay or escape. Now get on your feet, and 
move lively, for only by obedience can you 
save your lives.” 

There was no disposition on the part of 


194 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Colonel Allen’s messengers to run counter to 
the command which had been given. 

Each knew full well that two of their three 
captors were in favor of leaving them to a 
most cruel death, which could be escaped 
only by prompt acquiescence to all the 
orders given. 

Therefore it was they leaped to their feet 
quickly, and set forward at a sharp pace, 
when Jason Wentworth pointed out the 
direction to be pursued. 

At this moment it was Isaac who suffered 
most in mind, for he knew full well that 
Corporal ’Lige would condemn him for not 
having the courage to face death rather than 
give information to the enemy. 

Even though it was Nathan who had 
divulged what should have been kept a 
secret, the raw recruit knew in his own heart 
he had agreed that the information should be 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


195 


given, because of having made no pro- 
test. 

If Seth Warner failed in his purpose, it 
would be owing in a certain degree to what 
had been told these men, and Isaac, who had 
hoped to win renown, if not glory, by enlist- 
ing, could charge himself with what was 
worse than a blunder. 

On the other hand Nathan was not sore in 
mind because of the possibility that Crown 
Point might still be held by the king’s 
troops; but he had sufficient sense to under- 
stand that if he had retraced his steps along 
the shore to the trail, as Isaac proposed, this 
capture might not have been made. 

Therefore, but in a different fashion, was 
his mental trouble as great as that of his 
comrade. 

To the chagrin of both the boys they came 
upon the trail leading from the lake to 


196 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Sudbury, after not more than two or three 
minutes’ traveling, and thus knew that if 
their halt had been delayed a very short 
time it might have been possible to have 
given these enemies the slip. 

Once on the trail word was given to halt, 
and the three men held a brief consultation 
as to the course they should pursue. 

One was in favor of going directly to the 
shore, where it appeared they believed a boat 
could be found ; but the others insisted on 
keeping within the thicket until they were 
arrived a mile or more above the fort, lest, 
being seen, pursuit should be made by those 
who had captured Ticonderoga. 

This last proposition prevailed, although 
there were many chances they might not find 
a boat further up the lake; but Jason Went- 
worth persisted it would be better if they 
make the journey entirely on foot, than take 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 197 

the risk of being captured before word could 
be carried to Crown Point. 

On being commanded to push forward once 
more the boys obeyed readily, if not will- 
ingly, and during the hour which elapsed 
before they gained the desired point, Nathan 
and Isaac had ample opportunity for con- 
versation, since their captors did not seem 
to be averse to their talking one with 1 the 
other. 

“Of course, we shall be held prisoners by 
the king’s troops once we are arrived at 
Crown Point,” Isaac ventured to say after 
they had traveled steadily, although slowly, 
onward for nearly half an hour, and young 
Beman replied in a petulant tone : 

“That goes without saying, and it shows 
what a fool I’ve been in running around with 
those who would oppose the king’s will. If 
father is eager to ruin himself, that’s no 


198 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

reason I should be a fool, and I’d better have 
listened to mother.” 

“Why speak of what has been done?” 
Corporal 'Lige’s recruit asked in what he 
intended should be a soothing tone. “Iam 
not acquainted with the country as you are, 
neither am I so brave; but yet it seems as if 
we should be on the alert for a chance to 
escape.” 

“Now you talk like a fool! How may we 
escape with these three men on watch, all of 
whom are willing to shoot us at the first 
chance we give them. I’m not minded to 
have a bullet put through my body; but 
would rather trust to the king’s troops, in 
the hope that after a time we may be set 
free.” 

“Yet if we could give these men the slip?” 

“You may be certain we shan’t have a 


chance.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT 


199 


“Yet, suppose we did?” 

“Why will you be so weak-headed, Isaac 
Rice? If this is really war between the king 
and the colonies, the lives of boys like us 
count for but little, especially since two of 
these men are eager to be rid of us.” 

Isaac understood that it was useless just at 
this time to make any attempt at arousing 
his companion from the petulant despond- 
ency into which he had fallen, wherefore 
wisely kept silent; but at the same time was 
firmly resolved to be on the lookout for any 
opportunity of gaining his freedom. 

His timorousness had fled before the 
thought that there might yet be a chance, he 
knew not how, of preventing the information 
of the fall of Ticonderoga from being carried 
to Crown Point. 

The boy had in his heart just then what is 
commonly called courage, and his will was 


200 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


good, at whatever cost to himself, to repair 
the mischief which had been done. 

He had hoped to animate his companion to ' 
the same pitch, but the failure to do this did 
not discourage him, and while obeying 
strictly the orders given, he was keenly 
aware of everything wdiich might be of 
benefit. 

He heard the men discussing what they 
would do in case of a failure to find a boat 
near by where they gained the shore, and 
learned that in such an event one of them 
would return to the landing-place to get the 
craft of which they knew, with the idea that 
a single oarsman would not be molested 
while pulling leisurely up stream as if bent 
on business of his own. 

He also understood that it was the purpose 
of his captors, after warning the garrison at 
Crown Point, to muster a force of Loyalists 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 201 

from the immediate vicinity, and march into 
Sudbury with the idea of taking Captain 
Baker and his men prisoners before a second 
messenger should be sent from Ticon- 
deroga. 

There seemed little hope that such infor- 
mation could avail him, and yet he was in a 
certain degree elated because of having 
gained it. 

On arriving at the shore of the lake, where 
the men had thought it possible a boat might 
be found, no craft of any kind was to be 
seen. 

The wind still held strongly from the 
north, and Jason Wentworth announced in a 
tone of satisfaction: 

“The rebels won’t get very far on their 
journey toward Crown Point this day, and I 
am mistaken if the wind doesn’t freshen 
after sunset.” 


m 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“It will be precious hard work for us to 
make our way against such a breeze,” Ezra 
Jones grumbled. 

“Ay; but we can do it with four oars out, 
and even though we pull at them twenty - 
four hours, the labor should count as 
nothing so that we arrive in good time.” 

“But the garrison there is weak?” 

“They should be able to hold out until 
assistance can arrive. We can muster fifty 
men for them within two hours; but stand- 
ing here talking isn’t doing the work, and 
it’s important we set off without unnecessary 
delay. Ezra, you go down the shore, and 
Matthew up, each searching for a boat, and 
when one has been found pull to this point, 
where I will stay with the prisoners.” 

“Is it to your mind that I shall take the 
craft from opposite the fort, running the risk 
of being overhauled?” 


Corporal ’LigE’s recruit. 


203 


“Better that than remain here wasting 
time in talk.” 

Matthew White was of the opinion that it 
would be wisest to make the journey afoot 
rather than take the risk of being overhauled 
by the “rebels;” but to this Master Went- 
worth would not listen, and, he evidently 
being the leader of the party, carried his 
point. 

The two men set out, and immediately 
after their departure Jason Wentworth 
ordered his prisoners back into the under- 
brush a short distance from the shore, where 
he stood guard over them, and at the same 
time could keep close watch for the return 
of his companions. 


204 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER IX. 

A BOLD STROKEo 

Isaac’s heart beat hard and fast when he 
and Nathan were thus left with but a single 
man to guard them, for he believed the time 
had come when they might succeed in turn- 
ing the tables, because surely it would be 
easier to overpower one than three. 

In this, however, he soon came to under- 
stand that he was mistaken. 

Had either of the others been left on guard 
it is possible something might have been 
done; but Jason Wentworth was not a man 
to be caught napping, and while he seem- 
ingly directed his gaze out over the waters, 
at the slightest movement of either of the 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


205 


prisoners he was on the alert against an 
attempt at escape. 

Twice had Isaac changed his position in 
order to make certain the man was keeping 
close watch upon them when his attention 
was apparently directed elsewhere, and each 
time he saw Master Wentworth’s musket 
raised that it might be ready in case a bullet 
was needed to check the flight of his 
captives. 

“You had better not try that again,” the 
man said warningly when Isaac shifted his 
position the third time for no other reason 
than to make himself more comfortable. 
“In a case like this your lives count as 
nothing, and while I am unwilling to leave 
you to starve in the woods, I shall not hesi- 
tate to kill either or both, therefore do not 
make any feint at giving me the slip lest my 
patience should become exhausted.” 


206 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


After that Isaac was exceedingly careful, 
as was young Beman, to remain silent and 
motionless. 

While Corporal ’Lige’s recruit was ready to 
encounter serious danger in order to accom- 
plish his ends, there was no idea in his mind 
of risking life needlessly when there was 
nothing to be gained. 

Young Beman lay face downward, as he 
had thrown himself when the halt was called, 
giving no heed to the conversation between 
his comrade and Master Wentworth, and 
Isaac believed young Beman intended 
for him to understand that he would 
take no part in an effort to effect their 
release. 

An hour passed and nothing had been 
heard from the two who had gone in search 
of a boat. 

It surely seemed as if they must have met 


CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 207 

with some mishap, and a great hope sprang 
up in Isaac’s breast. 

When thirty minutes more had passed 
Master Wentworth’s face gave evidence of 
the anxiety which had come upon him , and 
he looked toward his prisoners with such an 
odd expression that Isaac Rice trembled, 
fearing the man was beginning to believe it 
would be better to do with them as his 
friends had suggested. 

Then, when it seemed impossible for Jason 
Wentworth longer to control his impatience, 
Master White returned as when he departed, 
and having the appearance of one who had 
walked far and rapidly. 

“You found no boat?’’ Master Wentworth 
said interrogatively, and the man replied, as 
he seated himself wearily near by the 
prisoners : 

“I do not believe there is one this side of 


208 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Crown Point. Most likely the rebels took 
good care to gather in every craft that was 
to be found within half a dozen miles of 
here.” 

For the first time since the little party 
came to a halt did Nathan evince any interest 
in what was going on around him, and now 
he partially turned as if to speak. 

Isaac, believing he was on the point of 
telling what he knew regarding the seizure of 
boats, covered the boy’s mouth with his 
hand, for he was not minded to give the 
enemy any information. 

Master Wentworth observed the movement, 
and evidently would have demanded an 
explanation, but for the fact that at this 
moment Ezra Jones came up through the 
thicket, instead of along the shore. 

His report was much like Master White’s. 

The boat he had expected to find near the 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


209 


trail leading to Sudbury was missing, and he 
had continued on nearly two miles further, 
but without avail. 

Again did hope come into Isaac’s despond- 
ing breast. 

The boy had believed Master Jones would 
surely find the craft in which he and Nathan 
had crossed the lake; but fortune favored 
the “rebel” cause in that respect at least, for 
the man must have turned about, when, by 
continuing on a very short distance further, 
he would have come upon that for which he 
was searching. 

“We must go on foot,” Master Wentworth 
said after a short pause, “and the sooner we 
set out the better.” 

“It’s all very well for you, who have been 
resting here, to say that,” Jones replied 
petulantly. “I’ve been making a road 
through the thicket for a matter of five miles 


210 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


or more, and don’t propose to move again 
until after I’ve had a breathing spell.” 

“Why didn’t you come back by the shore, 
as you went?” 

“Because there are a hundred pair of eyes 
watching this side of the lake. I could see 
the rebels on the opposite shore before I 
gained the trail, and then it was necessary to 
keep well hidden in the bushes. Even 
though I had found a boat, it is doubtful if I 
should have been allowed to pull up this 
way, for Seth Warner and Ethan Allen are 
much too keen to let any one pass who is 
headed in the direction of Crown Point.” 

“ They are waiting for the wind to die away 
before setting out to take the fort, and if we 
would save it to the king it is time to be 
about the work,” Master Wentworth said 
half to himself, but his comrades gave no 
heed to the words. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


211 


Then ensued a long time of silence, and 
Isaac was well content, for each moment of 
delay lessened the danger, as he believed. 

Thanks to the indolence of Masters White 
and Jones, it was nearly nightfall before 
they were ready to begin the journey, and 
then the latter intimated that he had re- 
covered from his fatigue. 

“If we fail to give the warning in time, 
you and White can take the fault to your- 
selves,” Master Wentworth said angrily, after 
which he ordered the prisoners on in advance 
once more. 

“They have begun to quarrel among them- 
selves, and perhaps our time will come 
before morning,” Isaac whispered to Nathan 
as they pushed on in advance, and young 
Beman appeared more willing to listen than 
when the subject was first broached ; but yet 
he made no reply. 


212 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


An hour later night had fully come, and 
the flying clouds so completely obscured the 
sky that it was difficult for the travelers to 
make their way even along the shore where 
was nothing, save here and there a point of 
Bocks, to impede the progress. 

More than once did the boys walk directly 
into the water, and twice Master White fell 
headlong over a fallen tree, despite all 
efforts to the contrary, and then it was 
Jason Wentworth who proposed a halt. 

“We are not making two miles an hour at 
this rate,” he said in the tone of one who is 
offended with his companions. “We may as 
well stop where we are until it is light 
enough for us to see the way.” 

Nathan and Isaac came to a halt imme- 
diately, and, ordering them to keep close by 
his side, the leader of the party sought for a 
camping-place amid the shrubbery. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


213 


It was not possible to make any choice 
selection while it was so dark that one could 
not distinguish objects a dozen paces in 
advance, and at the first cleared space suffi- 
ciently large to admit of the men stretching 
out at full length, Master Wentworth made 
his preparations for the night. 

He ordered the boys to lie down ; covered 
them with four or five saplings, and on the 
ends of these he and Master White laid them- 
selves in such manner that the first move- 
ment made by the prisoners must awaken 
the captors. 

It was the Indian method of guarding 
captives; but, owing to the absence of robes 
or blankets with which to cover the ends of 
the saplings, those who lay on the outside 
had a most uncomfortable bed. 

Isaac, still on the alert for any advantage, 
observed, rather by sense of hearing than of 


214 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


sight, that Master Wentworth kept his mus- 
ket close beside him, while the other two 
leaned their weapons against the bushes. 

It seemed to Corporal ’Lige’s recruit as if 
Nathan Beman had finally come to under- 
stand that escape might yet be possible, for 
the latter prodded his comrade with his 
elbow from time to time, as if to prevent him 
from falling asleep, and Isaac returned the 
pressure with vigor. 

Then, when it appeared as if fully an hour 
had passed, the heavy breathing of the men 
told that they were fast asleep, and Nathan 
whispered cautiously : 

“These fellows ain’t so smart as I’d 
counted on. I’ve heard father tell how he 
outwitted the savages when they had him in 
the same kind of a trap, an’ I can work this 
if you’re ready.” 

“Begin at once; there is no time to lose.” 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


215 


Then it was that young Bern an breathed 
loudly as if wrapped in profound slumber, 
and tossed about restlessly, all the while 
pressing against Master White. 

Isaac did not understand the purpose of 
such maneuver, but he was content with know- 
ing that his comrade had at last consented to 
make an effort toward escape. 

More than once Master White partially 
awakened, and grumbled because of Nathan’s 
restlessness; but at the same moment he 
unconsciously moved aside slightly, and each 
time he did this the prisoners were so much 
nearer liberty. 

Then came the time when Nathan whis- 
pered: 

“He has at last rolled off the saplings, and 
I can crawl away without disturbing him. 
Are you ready to follow?” 

“Yes. Can’t you get the muskets? Two 


216 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

are near onr feet, and the other is by the 
side of Wentworth.” 

“It is enough if we give them the slip.” 

“If we get possession of the muskets they 
cannot send a bullet after us in case one 
awakens before we are well off.” 

“I’ll try it,” Nathan replied as he began 
wriggling his bod} T out from under the sap- 
lings, not daring to move in the direction of 
where Master White lay. 

Isaac, literally trembling with excitement, 
followed his example, and it seemed to him 
as if half an hour had been consumed in the 
task, when really no more than five minutes 
were thus spent before the boys were on 
their feet and the men apparently still 
wrapped in slumber. 

Even now Nathan would have made good 
his escape without an effort to secure the 
weapons, and pressed his comrade’s arm to 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 217 

intimate that there was no time to be lost; 
but Isaac, dropping to his hands and knees, 
crept toward Master Wentworth. 

When the plan had so far succeeded that 
they were on their feet, a bold scheme came 
into Isaac’s head, and he believed now was 
come the time for him to gain the good 
opinion of Corporal ’Lige, if he should be so 
fortunate as to see the old soldier again. 

Moving with infinite care, and giving no 
heed to what Nathan might be doing, the 
boy crept to Master Wentworth’s side, and it 
was with difficulty he repressed a cry of exul- 
tation as his fingers closed over the musket. 

Cautiously rising to his feet, and at the 
same instant assuring himself the flint was in 
place, but forgetting that he had no powder 
with which to prime the weapon, Isaac 
stepped back to where he had left his 
comrade 0 


218 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Nathan was no longer there, but from a 
short distance away came a slight rustling of 
the foliage, and Isaac waited, his heart beat- 
ing so violently that it seemed positive the 
thumping must awaken their enemies. 

Before Corporal ’Lige’s recruit could have 
counted twenty, Nathan stood by his side, 
and it needed but one touch of the hand to 
tell the former that all the weapons had 
been secured. 

Young Beman had done his work well, for 
he not only held the two muskets, but a 
powder-horn well filled, and a shot pouch 
heavy with bullets. 

Now it was that, having all the advan- 
tage, Nathan began to be sensible of a glow 
of patriotism, and he whispered to his com- 
rade as he carefully primed one of the 
muskets : 

“It wouldn’t be a hard task to take these 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


219 


fellows into Sudbury, if we had something 
with which to fetter their hands.” 

“My mother made the cloth of this coat I 
am wearing, and I promise that it’s as strong 
as a rope.” 

Without waiting for a reply Isaac began 
stripping the garment into narrow bands, by 
aid of his teeth, and the noise caused Master 
Wentworth to half rise as he cried: 

“Hey! White! Jones!” 

“Stay where you are!” Nathan shouted. 
“We’ve got all the muskets, and are in the 
mood to shoot if you make any trouble. It 
won’t go much against the grain to put a 
couple of bullets into the two who wanted to 
leave us trussed up in the thicket, where we 
would starve to death!” 

Master Wentworth sank back upon the 
ground very quickly, and at the same instant 
must have discovered that his ammunition 


m 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


had not been seized, for he cried to his 
companions : 

“They can’t prime the muskets, and it is 
the same ” 

“You’ll know whether we can or not if 
you make any move! Don’t think we were 
such fools as to forget that part of the busi- 
ness! I’ve got all the powder and balls 
that’ll be needed to give you three a solid 
dose. Tie Master Wentworth’s hands behind 
his back, Isaac, and if he so much as winks 
while you are doing it I’ll quiet him. Lie 
down!” he added fiercely as in the dim light 
he saw one of the others attempting to rise. 
“If you make any fuss we’ll shoot first an 5 
talk afterward!” 

It was more than probable one of the men 
might, because of the darkness, have gotten 
off without injury; but each knew that 
should such an attempt be made Nathan 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 221 

could shoot down perhaps two of the party, 
and each probably feared it might be himself 
who would receive the bullet. 

Therefore it was that they obeyed young 
Beman’s orders strictly, and as soon as might 
be Master Wentworth was lying on his face 
with both hands tied securely behind his 
back. 

To fetter the others in the same fashion 
was neither a long nor a difficult task, 
because, like the bullies they were, both 
showed the white feather when danger threat- 
ened their precious selves, and no more than 
fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time 
Nathan first set about making the attempt at 
escape before the prisoners were powerless 
for harm. 

With their hands thus securely lashed 
behind them, it was impossible for the men 
to rise without assistance, and while Nathan 


222 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


stood with the musket raised that he might 
shoot at the first show of resistance, Isaac 
helped the prisoners to their feet. 

“Now it is you three who will obey our 
orders, instead of knocking us about,” Young 
Beman said gleefully, “and I’ll make the 
same threat Master Wentworth did: At the 
first show of trying to escape, I’ll shoot, an’ 
even though it is dark, there’s little chance 
of missing aim, for we shall keep close in the 
rear. Take one musket, Isaac, and the other 
we’ll leave here, rather than hamper ourselves 
by too much of a burden.” 

“Do you count on trying to make your 
way through the thicket while it is so 
dark?” Ezra Jones asked in a surly tone. 

“That’s what we shall do.” 

“Then you may as well shoot us offhand, 
for if it was hard work when we were free, 
what chance have we with our hands tied?” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 223 

“If you think that is the best plan I’ll 
follow your advice, and never so much as 
wince in the doing of it, for you was one 
who would have left us to starve,” Nathan 
said so promptly that the man involuntarily 
ducked his head as if fearing a bullet might 
follow the words. 

“Where are you bent on taking us?” Jason 
Wentworth asked, after he had somewhat 
recovered his composure. 

“Our orders were to go to Sudbury, and I 
think we’d better keep on in that direction, 
rather than lose time by carrying you to 
Ticonderoga. We could do that last if we 
pleased, for our boat is hidden among the 
bushes nearabout where Master Jones turned 
back. What say you, Isaac Rice? Is it to 
be Sudbury, or the fort?” 

“It is best we see Captain Baker as soon 
as may be, and if you think we can find our 


224 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


way through the woods, I’ll say nothing 
against a short cut, for time presses.” 

The prisoners were driven like sheep, both 
boys marching directly behind them with 
leveled muskets, and, as may be expected, 
the advance was exceedingly slow. 

The men stumbled over fallen trees, and 
each of them fell headlong half a dozen 
times before the seemingly long night came 
to an end ; but still they were urged on at 
the best possible pace until sunrise, when a 
brief halt was made. 

Two hours after the journey had been 
resumed the trail was found, and from that 
time on until the outskirts of the settlement 
was gained, the party marched at a reason- 
ably rapid rate of speed. 

Once a glimpse of Sudbury was had Isaac 
became exceedingly prudent, and insisted 
upon calling a halt, while Nathan declared 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 225 

they fdiould press forward until the prisoners 
could be delivered to Captain Baker. 

“I shan’t feel comfortable in mind until all 
three are off our hands, for there’s no know- 
ing how many friends they may have in the 
settlement.” 

“That is exactly why I would halt here,” 
Isaac replied, and Corporal ’Lige would have 
rejoiced had he known how rapidly his 
recruit was learning his duties as a soldier. 
“We do not know in which house Captain 
Baker lives, and while making inquiries, still 
having the prisoners with us, we might come 
upon those who would turn the tables once 
more, before we had so much as gained 
speech with the officer.” 

“Then what would you do?” 

“We are within less than half a mile of the 
settlement. Let us march the prisoners into 
the thicket, where they will be hidden from 


226 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


view of any who may come this way, and 
while one stands guard over them, the other 
can seek out the captain. After that has 
been done he can take charge of the affair, 
and our work will be well and thoroughly 
done.” 

“Who is to remain here?” Nathan asked. 

“It shall be as you say,” 

Young Beman remained silent a moment, 
and then, with the air of one who has 
decided an important question, said: 

“ You shall go into the settlement, and if 
either of these Tories so much as opens his 
mouth while you are gone, I’ll put a bullet 
through him.” 

“And you must not hesitate to carry out 
that threat,” Isaac added firmly. “Now is 
come the time when we may prevent any 
news from being carried to Crown Point, and 
at the same moment deliver Colonel Allen’s 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


227 


message, therefore blood must be spilled if 
necessary.” 

Jones and White looked thoroughly 
alarmed, while Jason Wentworth said 
approvingly : 

“You lads are in the right, from your own 
standpoint, which is a wrong one, however; 
but since we have been so dull as to let you 
get the best of us, is is but proper we should 
pay the penalty for disobeying orders.” 

“Will you give us your word not to make 
an outcry if any person should pass by on the 
trail?” Isaac quietly, having no little respect 
for this enemy who could look upon the 
situation so fairly. 

“If by giving up my life I can prevent the 
capture of Crown Point, you may be certain I 
shall not hesitate.” 

Isaac looked significantly at Nathan, as if 
to say that this man should be guarded more 


228 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


closely than the others, and after the 
prisoners had been marched into the thicket, 
where they were completely hidden from 
view, Corporal ’Lige’s recruit set out, Nathan 
calling after him : 

“Do not loiter by the way, either in going 
or coming, for I am not quite at my ease 
while alone.” 

“Have no fear I shall delay. It should 
not be a long task to find Captain Baker, and 
most likely you’ll see me again in less than 
an hour. Keep your wits about you, and 
remember how much mischief may be done 
if you hesitate to shoot when it becomes 
necessary to do so.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


229 


CHAPTER X. 

CROWN POINT. 

Never since the moment when Corporal 
’Lige had promised to make a soldier of him, 
had Isaac Rice been as happy as now. 

He had atoned for the mistake made when 
they first set out on the journey, although it 
was really none of his, and, in addition to 
having prevented the news of what had been 
done at Ticonderoga from being carried to 
Crown Point, had as prisoners three who 
could have made no slight amount of trouble 
for the colonists. 

Surely the old corporal would praise 
Nathan and himself, and he glowed with 
pride as he thought of the report he could 
make on his return to the fort. 


230 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“Of course Nathan Beman has as big a 
share in this work as I, and it is his right; 
but I know it was not me who grew faint- 
hearted when we were in the power of the 
enemy, an’ there’s a deal of satisfaction in 
that thought.” 

On arriving at Sudbury,' half an hour after 
having left his comrade, Isaac made inquiries 
for Captain Baker’s dwelling, and learned 
that had Nathan’s proposition been carried 
out, they would have been forced to parade 
the prisoners through the entire settlement 
before coming upon the house. 

The captain was within sound of his wife’s 
voice when Isaac finally stood before the 
good woman asking to see her husband, and 
came up quickly ; but with a look of disap- 
pointment on his face when he saw his visitor 
was only a boy. 

“Is this Captain Remember Baker?” Cor- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 231 

poral ’Lige’s recruit asked, for he was not 
minded any mistake should be made now 
that his work was so nearly accomplished. 

“Yes; what do you want?” 

“I am come from Colonel Allen ” 

“Where is he?” the captain asked eagerly. 

“That I may not tell you until we are 
alone.” 

“Come into the house! Come in and 
refresh yourself, and you shall tell me that 
with which you are charged while partaking 
of such food as my wife can prepare 
quickly.” 

“It is not well for me to spend time in 
eating until after Nathan Beman is relieved 
from his charge.” 

“What have you to do with that young 
Tory, if it is true that you come from Ethan 
Allen?” and now the captain began to show 
signs of being suspicious. 


232 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“I will tell the whole story, beginning with 
the capture of Ticonderoga ” 

“So the fort has been taken by our peo- 
ple!” Captain Baker cried joyously as he 
clasped the messenger by the hand with such 
force as to make the boy wince. “Tell me 
quickly! When was the work done?” 

More than once before he had come to the 
story of his and Nathan’s adventures was 
Isaac interrupted by the eager soldier ; but 
after a certain time he succeeded in impart- 
ing all the information, and was rewarded by 
hearing the captain say: 

“You showed rare good sense in leaving 
the prisoners outside the settlement, for 
while we in Sudbury are with the colonists 
in their task of teaching the king a much- 
needed lesson, there are some who might 
have tried to work mischief had you applied to 
them asking the location of my dwelling. Wait 



“SO THE FORT HAS BEEN TAKEN BY OUR PEOPLE!” CAPTAIN BAKER CRIED, 
CLASPING THE MESSENGER BY THE HAND. 

Corporal 'Lige's Recruit , p. 282, 






CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 233 

here until I can summon a few of the Green 
Mountain Boys, who have been awaiting word 
from Ethan Allen, and we’ll soon relieve 
you of the Tories.” 

Captain Baker ran out, not stopping for a 
reply, and while he was absent his wife 
insisted on Isaac’s eating *such food as she 
had already prepared, until it seemed to the 
boy that he would not need anything more 
for twenty-four hours. 

Then six men, each armed with a musket, 
arrived, and were ushered into the house, and 
Isaac was called upon to tell once more of 
how Ticonderoga had been captured, after 
which the party set out to find the prisoners. 

Corporal ’Lige’s recruit acted the part of 
guide, and in less than an hour the three 
Tories, having been given a liberal supply of 
cornbread, were being marched back on the 
trail toward the captured fort. 


234 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


Both Isaac and Nathan believed it was 
their duty to accompany the prisoners ; but 
Captain Baker insisted that they remain at 
his home in order to gain the repose which 
was needed, promising that they should 
arrive at Ticonderoga nearly as soon as if 
they had gone with the company escorting 
the Tories. 

Therefore it was the boys remained, well 
content with the work they had performed, 
and not until the morning of the twelfth of 
May was the return journey begun. 

Then the wind was blowing gently from 
the southward, and Nathan said mournfully: 

“We have of a surety lost the chance of 
going to Crown Point, for the hunter will be 
up and doing this morning, and is likely well 
on his way by this time.” 

Overhearing his words the captain added: 

“Ay, lad if he didn’t get there yesterday, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


235 


which I misdoubt, you may count that he 
started before daybreak this morning; but 
you can have the satisfaction of knowing 
that save for your work, his task might not 
be so easy.” 

“Think you he can surprise the garrison?” 
Isaac asked. 

“I see no reason why it should not be done, 
especially after your capture of the Tories, 
for thus far Colonel Allen has succeeded in 
keeping his movements a secret, at least 
from the people in this section of the 
country, and why may you not say the same 
of Crown Point?” 

To the surprise of the boys no less than 
twenty men were assembled in front of Cap- 
tain Baker’s house by the time breakfast had 
been eaten, and on making inquiry Isaac 
learned that these were all of the Green 
Mountain Boys who had been ordered by 


236 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


their leader to rendezvous at Sudbury until 
summoned elsewhere. 

The company, under command of Captain 
Baker, took up the line of march over an old 
trail through the woods, marching to a point 
on the shore of the lake nearly two miles 
further down from where the boys had 
landed, when they came from the fort. 

There, snugly hidden in the thicket ready 
for just such an emergency as had already 
come, were found four stout boats, each 
capable of carrying not less than a dozen 
men, and after all were embarked and the 
little fleet pushed off from the shore, it 
appeared quite formidable. 

Each craft boasted of a sail, and with the 
wind from the southward there was no need 
of labor at the oars, therefore this portion of 
the journey promised to be most pleasant. 

“This is different from what we expected 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 237 

when Master Wentworth marched ns in front 
of his musket,” Isaac said in a tone of con- 
tent, and his comrade replied : 

“We got out of a small hole in fine 
style.” 

It was when they were midway from the 
point of embarkation to Fort Ticonderoga 
that young Beman cried excitedly, pointing 
toward that shore which they had just 
quitted, where could be seen two small 
boats laden with men who were pulling into 
a cove as if seeking shelter: 

“It looks to me as if those fellows are 
wearing red coats!” 

It was the first intimation Captain Baker 
had that there were others in the immediate 
vicinity, and instantly he gave word for the 
boats to be hauled around for the purpose of 
learning who these strangers were. 

Hardly had this maneuver been executed 


238 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


when one of the men announced positively 
that young Beman was right in his 
conjecture. 

“They are most likely Britishers, who 
escaped from Tieonderoga, or have come 
from Crown Point on their way to St. John in 
search of reinforcements,” Captain Baker 
cried excitedly, and orders were given for the 
men to take to the oars. 

Then ensued a chase which was quickly 
ended, owing to the precaution taken by the 
Britishers themselves. 

They had put into the cove hoping to 
escape detection, and it proved to be a trap 
for them. 

No sooner were the boats arrived off this 
place of refuge than Captain Baker gave 
orders for them to be strung out in line, thus 
cutting off all hope of escape by water, and 
in his own craft pulled near to where the two 


CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


239 


boats, manned by seven soldiers, were drawn 
up as if prepared to do battle. 

It was soon evident they understood well 
the truth of the old adage that “discretion is 
the better part of valor,” for immediately 
Captain Baker called upon them to sur- 
render, they threw their arms into the 
bottom of the boat in token of submission. 

Nathan was most grievously disappointed. 
He had fancied there might be a skirmish, or 
at least an exchange of shots, for until the 
morning when Ticonderoga was taken so 
readily he had believed the king’s soldiers to 
be invincible, and even now he was not pre- 
pared to see them surrender to a force little 
more than four times their number. 

The prisoners readily answered the ques- 
tions put by the captain. 

They were from Crown Point, and having 
learned of the surrender of Ticonderoga had 


240 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


been dispatched by the sergeant in command 
of the garrison, for reinforcements. 

They stated, in addition, that it was not 
believed those who had taken Ticonderoga 
would push on to Crown Point immediately, 
consequently plenty of time remained in 
which that post might be reinforced. There- 
fore it was the sergeant in command had not 
hesitated to weaken his small garrison by 
thus sending seven men on a mission which 
might more readily have been accomplished 
by one. 

“There is yet time for us to do Seth War- 
ner a good turn,” Captain Baker cried suffi- 
ciently loud for all his men to hear. “It is 
more than likely the garrison at Crown Point 
will hold out when the Green Mountain Boys 
demand its surrender, believing reinforce- 
ments are, or speedily will be, on the way. 
Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


241 


plan is to push directly on to the fort, and 
when it is known that we have captured the 
messengers I reckon the fortification will be 
surrendered with but little parley.” 

Although the captain had thus spoken as if 
making a suggestion, his men understood 
that his words were little short of a com- 
mand, and after transferring the prisoners 
the fleet was gotten under way. 

Thanks to the freshening wind the boats 
were soon making good time in the race to 
overtake the force led by Seth Warner. 

“And it is to be Crown Point for us, after 
all!” Nathan cried exultantly, whereat, 
hearing the words, Captain Baker asked: 

“What is your name, lad?” 

“Nathan Beman from Shoreham.” 

“So? I knew your father was on the right 
side; but understood that you and your 
mother were hardly to be trusted,” 


242 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“I cannot say anything for mother; but 
since I have seen the king’s soldiers sur- 
render so readily I am with the Green Moun- 
tain Boys and those who share their 
opinions.” 

“When you are so nearly with them as to 
enlist, come to me, lad, and I will give you a 
musket in the best company that can be 
found this side of Cambridge.” 

Isaac looked at his new friend reproach- 
fully, and the latter said with a laugh: 

“I know all you are thinking; but when I 
enlist, and it ain’t certain but that I shall do 
so soon if the people continue to hold out 
against the king, I propose to set my name 
down for that company to which you 
belong.” 

“Do so when we go back to the fort,” 
Isaac cried gleefully, “and side by side you 
and I will see many a brave adventure.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


243 


“But the trouble is we may see more than 
will be pleasing, though I truly believe I 
shall enlist.” 

“And Corporal ’Lige shall teach us both a 
soldier’s duty.” 

This proposition apparently did not meet 
with favor, for Nathan at once changed the 
subject of the conversation by inquiring 
regarding the probable condition of affairs 
at Crown Point, after which the boys listened 
to the conversation of their companions as 
they spoke of Lexington and Concord, and 
of what should be done to avenge the 
murders committed there. 

And now it came to pass that these two 
lads were most grievously disappointed # in 
their anticipations concerning the capture of 
the fort. 

Probably each had in his mind the thought 
that he was to see somewhat of war, more at 


244 


CORPORAL ’LIGE S RECRUIT. 


least than had been witnessed at Ticon- 
deroga; but it was not to be. 

As the little fleet approached the point, 
Warner and his men were just disembarking. 

Although Captain Baker’s party was but a 
mile away at that time, when they gained 
the shore the garrison had been surrendered 
without the firing of a gun, and the booming 
of the cannon told that again were the “imi- 
tation soldiers” successful in their efforts to 
teach his majesty a lesson. 

One hundred and fourteen cannon, of 
which sixty-one were fit for service, were 
among the spoils on this morning, and after 
having made up a list of such goods as were 
found in the fort, Seth Warner did the two 
lads the great favor of sending them to Colo- 
nel Allen with the news of the bloodless 
victory. 

“Go you on ahead, lads,” Captain Baker 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 24.5 

said when the boys had been intrusted with 
the message. “I won’t spoil a good fortune 
by seeming to accompany you; but will 
linger here until you are well on the way, 
and after having given Ethan Allen the best 
news he could possibly receive at such a 
critical time, I very much question whether 
you may not ask whatsoever you will from 
him.” 

Hurriedly the messengers departed in order 
that they might arrive well in advance of 
Captain Baker’s company, and when they 
were pulling down the lake, Isaac said 
thoughtfully : 

“You heard what Captain Baker said, that 
Colonel Allen might grant anything we 
asked?” 

“Yes, and I know what is in your mind 
this minute.” 


“Name it then.” 


246 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Yon think I am counting on asking him 
for money.” 

Isaac’s face flushed and he made no reply. 

“I might have done so a few days ago, but 
now I am coming around on the same track 
with father, and say that the colonists do 
right in resisting the king. If it so be he 
permits, I will enlist this day.” 

And Nathan Beman kept his promise, even 
going so far as to desire Corporal ’Lige 
should stand sponsor for him when, the mes- 
sage having been delivered, Colonel Allen 
thanked them again and again for the 
cheering intelligence and asked what they 
would choose as their reward. 

“Only the permission to enlist,” Nathan 
said, and the colonel stared at him in open- 
mouthed astonishment for several seconds, 
after which he asked with a laugh : 

“Are you not the same lad who so thirsted 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


247 


for money that he refused to show the way 
into the fort unless first paid for his 
services?” 

“Ay, sir; but I have come to think differ- 
ently since then, and now I’m going for a 
soldier, because it looks to me as if the 
colonists would speedily worst the king.” 

“Whereas a few days ago it appeared to 
you that the boot was on the other foot?” 

“I did not think farmers could be turned 
into soldiers, sir.” 

“You may readily believe it now, lad, 
more especially since you have seen how 
easy it is for one who was almost a royalist 
to become a good American, and now I am 
speaking of yourself. Enlist wherever you 
will, and I will take it upon myself to see 
that both you lads rise in the service as 
rapidly as you shall deserve.” 


248 


CORPORAL ’LIGE S RECRUIT. 


CHAPTER XI. 

RE-ENLISTMENT. 

It will be remembered that Isaac wrote his 
mother stating he had seen quite enough of a 
military life, and this he declared before hav- 
ing experienced the most disagreeable of his 
adventures. 

Now that Nathan had decided to show 
himself a faithful son of the colonies, how- 
ever, and was minded to enlist in the same 
company of which Isaac was a member, the 
case wore a different aspect, although there 
was much about it which caused the latter 
many misgivings. 

In the first place, it appeared as if young 
Beman was ready to sign the rolls in order 
that he might be with Isaac ; and Master Rice 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 249 

questioned if, under such circumstances, he 
would not be bound to remain in the army 
for so long a time as Nathan chose to play 
the soldier. 

Although Corporal ’Lige’s recruit had had 
only a limited experience, he knew enough 
by this time to understand that he was likely 
at any moment to suffer hardships, or be 
called upon to venture into such dangers as 
the captors of Ticonderoga and Crown Point 
had never known. 

It was only natural that, in his perplexity, 
he should turn to that fountain head of mili- 
tary knowledge, Corporal ’Lige, for assist- 
ance. 

He did not propose, however, that Nathan 
Beman should have an inkling of what was 
in his mind; and when the two were come 
from the interview with Colonel Allen, Isaac 
said with an assumption of carelessness: 


250 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


“Now that I have the opportunity, it 
would be a good idea to ask the corporal’s 
advice about writing home, and if you are 
minded to look about you a bit, I’ll hunt 
him up.” 

“I was countin’ on havin’ a look at the 
different companies,” Nathan replied, be- 
traying no suspicion that his comrade might 
desire to leave him for the time being. “The 
colonel has much the same as promised to 
give us a lift in whatsoever direction we de- 
sire, an’ it may be we would find it more for 
our advantage to seek other companions-in- 
arms than those who come from Pittsfield. 
We can take our choice now, whereas, once 
havin’ signed the rolls, others will have the 
power to make the choice for us.” 

Isaac had no idea of leaving the neighbors 
with whom he had enlisted; but Nathan’s 
proposition, if carried out, would insure his 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 251 

being left alone with Corporal ’Lige for a 
time: and he apparently committed himself 
to the suggestion. 

While the newly discovered friend of the 
colonies sauntered away to make his inspec- 
tion, Master Rice hurried off to find the cor- 
poral, a task which was speedily brought to a 
successful conclusion. 

“1 hope, lad, it ain’t in your mind to- leave 
the service,” Corporal ’Lige said in a tone of 
real solicitude when the boy had given words 
to his misgivings. “It isn’t for me to say 
that you’re in any way a soldier as yet; but 
it’s in my mind that if 1 can have the handlin’ 
of you a year or so, you’ll show yourself 
such a recruit as I can look on with pride.” 

“But once Nathan Beman has enlisted, an’ 
in the same company with me, I’ll be bound 
to stay in the service so long as he does,” 
Isaac replied doubtfully, 


252 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“Well, an’ why shouldn’t you? If these 
’ere colonies are countin’ on settin’ them- 
selves agin’ the king — an’ they’ve gone so far 
now that I don’t see how it’s possible to back 
down unless we who have had a hand in this 
little venture are given up to be hanged as 
traitors— lads like you will be needed.” 

“There are plenty of old soldiers, such as 
you, Corporal ’Lige, an’ boys of my age 
won’t count.” 

“They wouldn’t if we could shove the 
king’s troops to the wall in other parts of the 
colonies, as we have here at Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point. But it ain’t goin’ to be sich 
smooth sailin’ everywhere, lad. The British- 
ers will wake up to the fact that we’re in 
earnest, an’ then hard work must be done. 
A good many of us will get a full dose of 
English lead, an’ you young ones should be 
ready to take our places.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 253 

“Do yon mean that there’ll be more fightin’ 
than we’ve seen already?” and now Isaac’s 
voice trembled woefully. 

“Bless your heart, lad, we haven’t had any 
yet; but it’s bound to come before you’re 
many months older.” 

Master Rice no longer attempted to repress 
his fears. 

“I couldn’t cut any figger at fightin’, Cor- 
poral ’Lige! Why, I never fired a gun in real 
anger, except the time when those Tories 
had you in a tight place.” 

“All that may be true, lad; but then you 
did it with sich purpose as to get the best of 
three villains in grand shape. I couldn’t 
have done better myself, an’ them as know 
Corporal ’Lige, will tell you I’m sayin’ a 
good deal in them words.” 

Even honest praise, was notenough, at 
that moment, to arouse Isaac’s patriotism. 


254 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

On the day when he left Pittsfield, such 
words from the corporal would have fired 
him for any venture, however hazardous; but 
now he understood a trifle better what was 
meant by becoming a soldier, and could no 
longer blind his eyes to the real danger by 
dreams of glory. 

Had Master Pice been left to his own in- 
clinations just then, he would have asked of 
Colonel Allen permission to return home, and 
gone at once as rapidly as his legs would 
carry him, even though forced to travel 
alone; but Corporal ’Lige had no idea of 
allowing this one recruit to leave the service. 

After exhausting all the arguments he 
could bring to his aid, chiefest among which 
was the possible fact that those who had 
taken part in the capture of Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point might be hanged as traitors if 
the cause of freedom was allowed to lan- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 255 

guish, he said, as if a sudden and happy 
thought had come to mind : 

“If you could see real soldiers, lad, instead 
of this crowd of loud-mouthed boasters who 
must be licked into shape before they’re even 
in condition to be shot at, the matter would 
look different. That boy, Isaac Beman, was 
right when he laughed at our people, because 
he’d often met them as served the king; but 
we’ve got as good material among us as any 
his majesty can muster. Now, hark ye, 
Isaac Rice! At Cambridge you might see 
men from the colonies such as would make 
you proud!” 

“But I’m not likely to go to Cambridge,” 
the boy interrupted mournfully. 

“There’s nothin’ stands in your way, if it 
so chances you’ve the mind to go. Colonel 
Allen is bound to say ‘yes’ to whatsoever you 
ask. Now how would it do if you should 


256 CORPORAL ’LIGE,S RECRUIT, 

speak to him somethin’ like this: ‘If yon 
please, sir, Corporal ’Lige is needed down 
Cambridge way, seein’s how there’s like to 
be hot work ’round about Boston, an’ he’d 
want me an’ young Beman to go with him. 
If you’ll send us there with news of what’s 
been done in this section of the country, 
we’ll sign the rolls with him in whatsoever 
regiment that needs him most.’ I reckon a 
little speech like that would tickle the col- 
onel mightily; you’d have a chance to see 
the country, to say nothin’ of Boston, an’ 
I’ll venture to predict that you an’ Nathan 
might be wearin’ swords when the people up 
this way clapped eyes on you again.” 

This was the most alluring proposition the 
old soldier could have made, and he under- 
stood such fact full well when the boy imme- 
diately gave himself up to thought, instead 
of replying. 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 257 

Corporal ’Lige was not minded to trust to 
this one suggestion. He artfully drew pic- 
tures of camp-life to be enjoyed with a well- 
disciplined, well-regulated army; spoke of 
the wonderful sights to be seen near about 
Boston, and dwelt long upon the possibility 
that recruits like Isaac and Nathan would 
soon be made officers, because Colonel Allen 
had much the same as promised such ad- 
vancement. 

Some time before Master Beman had con- 
cluded his inspection of the different mili- 
tary organizations represented within the en- 
campment, Isaac was eager to follow the 
suggestion made by the old corporal, and im- 
patient because Nathan did not come, for, as 
a matter of course, the proposition must re- 
ceive his sanction before being fully decided 
upon. 

When the lad from Shoreham finally pre- 


258 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

sented himself there was on his face an ex- 
pression of decided dissatisfaction, and be- 
fore either Corporal ’Lige or Isaac could 
speak, he said petulantly: 

“There’s no sense in thinkin’ that these 
men here are soldiers! There ain’t one of 
’em who can hold a candle to the poorest 
man Captain Delaplace had under his com- 
mand. If I’m goin’ to enlist, I’d like to be 
with a crowd that I’m not ashamed to look at. 

“There’s a good deal of truth in what you 
say, lad,” the corporal replied, and Master 
Beman gazed at him in surprise, for he had 
not expected to receive such ready assent to 
his criticism, particularly from the old sol- 
dier. “Isaac an’ I have been talkin’ about 
that same matter.” 

“There ain’t much use in your kickin’ up 
a row about it, seein’s how you’ve enlisted 
with ’em.” 


CORPORAL ’LlGE’B RECRUIT. ^59 

“All that is true,” the corporal replied in 
his blandest tones; “but yet we might be 
able to take service in another regiment. 
I’ve laid this ’ere plan before my recruit, an’ 
he thinks it’s a good idee.’’ 

Then the old man set about winning 
Nathan over to his way of thinking, by paint- 
ing the same pictures which had been ap- 
proved of by Isaac, and the latter aided him 
materially in the task, until it could readily 
be seen that young Beman was deeply inter- 
ested. 

“It’s only necessary for you lads to go to 
the colonel as I’ve said, an’ the thing will be 
arranged in a twinklin’,’’ Corporal ’Lige 
added in conclusion, and then, believing his 
work to be finished, he leaned back and filled 
his pipe with great deliberation; but keeping 
close watch upon his two companions lest 
their conversation should take such a turn 


£60 CORPORAL 'LIGE’S RECRUJT. 

as might result in the upsetting pf his 

plans. 

Young Beman was not minded to commit 
himself to the scheme without first under- 
standing all the details. 

He was ready to show his patriotism by 
enlisting to serve the colonies as a soldier; 
but at the same time he intended to get from 
such devotion the greatest amount of money 
possible. 

Therefore his first question was regarding 
the pay that a soldier would receive, and on 
this point Corporal ’Lige soon convinced him 
that he should refrain from signing the rolls 
until arriving at Cambridge, or, wherever the 
Massachusetts Committee of Safety might 
chance to be. 

“You have seen how generously they fitted 
out Colonel Arnold,” he said with a wave of 
the hand as if to show that the capture of the 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 261 

post had been brought about through the 
agency of the munitions of war supplied by 
the committee. ‘"There you’ll find an army, 
and, after signing the rolls, can be certain of 
receivin’ all the pay promised ; but here it is 
different. This ’ere little expedition is what 
might almost be called an outside matter, an’ 
it don’t stand to reason that any of us can 
count on gettin’ much money till after we’ve 
been reg’larly mustered into the armj 7 .” 

“I’ll go with you,” Nathan said most 
decidedly. 

“I’m allowin’ you’ll want to talk with your 
father.” 

“He’s willin’ for me to turn soldier, an’ it 
can’t make any difference to him whether I 
do it here, or at Cambridge.” 

“But what about your mother?” Isaac 
asked, thinking of his own home, and wish- 
ing most fervently that he could visit it be- 


262 CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 

fore shutting himself off from all hope of so 

doing in the near future. 

“She won’t say very much after I tell her 
the money’ll be paid when it’s been earned, 
though I s’pose she’ll fuss some.” 

“Do you want to see her before we talk 
with the colonel?” 

“No; so long as father’s willin’ I reckon 
we’d better fix matters so I can’t back out,” 
Nathan replied carelessly, and Corporal ’Lige, 
believing it best to arrange all the business 
while the lads were in a complaisant mood, 
suggested that they have a talk with Colonel 
Allen at once. 

Nathan immediately made very decided 
objections to stating the case as the old sol- 
dier had proposed. 

“What’s the use of tryin’ to make the col- 
onel believe that the people at Cambridge 
can’t get along without Corporal ’Lige?” he 


CORPORAL 'LICE’S RECRtJlT. 263 

asked in a tone which brought a frown to the 
old man’s face. “We’ll tell him just what 
we’ve been talkin’ about, an’ if he won’t 
agree, I’ll go off alone, ’cause I don’t count 
on servin’ with sich a crowd as you’ve got 
here.” 

The corporal would have set his face 
against being thus relegated to the back- 
ground, but for the fear that in urging his 
claims for prominence Master Beman would 
decide not to join them, and after a few 
feeble protests, mainly to the effect that 
their object could best be attained by giving 
the commander to understand how greatly 
the army at Cambridge would be benefited 
by his presence, he held his peace, leaving 
Nathan to manage the interview after his 
own fashion. 

And this young Beman did without any 
false modesty. 


264 CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 

When the two lads gained an interview 
with Colonel Allen, Nathan took upon him- 
self the part of spokesman, and did not hesi- 
tate to declare that, while agreeing to serve 
the colonies, he desired to receive the 
largest possible pay for such service, there- 
fore proposed to go to Cambridge. 

“Corporal ’Lige is willin’ to go with us, if 
you’ll let him an’ me off from the enlist- 
ment,” Isaac added timidly. “They need 
him down there, an’ perhaps he wouldn’t go 
if it wasn’t to look after us.” 

“I can take care of myself,” Nathan inter- 
rupted; “ but if the old man wants to go it’s 
no business of mine, though I reckon the 
folks there ain’t in any very great pain be- 
cause he don’t come right away.” 

Colonel Allen listened without comment 
to the request of the boys, and when it had 
been fully made, said gravely: 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 265 

“It shall be as you say, although I could 
wish that all three were going with no other 
thought than that of aiding the cause of free- 
dom. You may set out whenever Corporal 
Watkins is ready, and I will see to it that 
you are supplied with such an outfit as he 
shall deem necessary.” 

“When shall we get the stuff?” Nathan 
asked, eager to have in his possession all 
that the commander was willing to give him 
for the trip. 

“Corporal Watkins shall act as commis- 
sary. Tell him to come here within the 
hour, and the necessary arrangements can be 
made with but little delay. I will not forget 
the promise to see that you rise in the serv- 
ice according to your deserts, and in return 
ask that both bear well in mind all that may 
be accomplished by the work of such as you, 
forgetting the money to be earned, in the 


266 CORPORAL LIGE’S RECRUIT, 

knowledge that a country is to be wrested 
from the hands of its oppressors.” 

With this the interview was brought to a 
close, and Nathan said, when he and Isaac 
were in the open air: 

“It would have suited me better if he’d 
said less about the corporal ! That old man 
thinks he’s ” 

“Please don’t say anything against him,” • 
Isaac interrupted pleadingly. “You don’t 
know what a good friend he is, and as for 
bein’ a soldier, that’s proven by the way all 
the officers talk about him.” 

Young Beman was not minded to give Cor- 
poral ’Lige any credit whatsoever, because 
of the sharp manner in which the old soldier 
had addressed him more than once; but yet 
he repeated faithfully all Colonel Allen had 
said, when the three were together again. 

“I’m to see him within the hour, eh?” and 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 267 

the corporal set about cleaning his uniform 
of red with the most scrupulous care. 
“Then he understands that I may be needed 
down Boston way.” 

“He didn’t say anything of the kind,” 
Nathan replied quickly. “I reckon it was 
thought you ought to have the handlin’ of 
what’s to be given us, because you’re the 
oldest, an’ that’s where Colonel Allen is 
makin’ a big mistake. I haven’t got a red 
coat; but I’ll bet a shillin’ that I can take as 
good care of the stuff as you.” 

“We won’t have overly much talk on that 
score, young Beman,” Corporal ’Lige replied 
sternly, and Isaac was overwhelmed with 
astonishment because he had such control 
over his temper. “It may be that one or the 
other of us will have a chance to change his 
opinion before we’re come to Cambridge, for 
it’ll be a decently long journey.” 


268 


CORPORAL ’LIGES RECRUIT. 


Then the old man gave all his attention to 
making himself presentable for the coming 
interview, and Isaac assisted him in so far as 
was possible. 

While Corporal ’Lige was absent Nathan 
amused himself with speculations as to what 
adventures might befall them after they were 
regular soldiers, and Master Eice did his 
best to give the lad a more favorable opinion 
of the old man who was to be their comrade. 

“Everybody likes the corporal,” he said 
mildly. 

“I don’t, ’cause he thinks himself such a 
terrible good soldier, an’ can’t show up very 
much.” 

“He worked mighty hard gettin’ the boats 
together.” 

“Yes, an’ put on a lot of airs when the col- 
onel told him to chase after me.” 

“He was only actin’ accordin’ to orders.” 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 269 

“Perhaps he was, an’ then again perhaps 
he wasn’t,” Master Beman replied curtly, 
and realizing from this vague remark why the 
lad from Shoreham was so bitter in his criti- 
cisms, Isaac gave over trying to bring about 
a better understanding between his comrades. 


m 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT 


CHAPTER XII. 

AN ENCOUNTER. 

Before this day was come to a close 
young Beman understood that Corporal ’Lige 
might possibly be a trifle better informed on 
military matters than he had given him 
credit for; at least, so far as understanding 
how to get together an outfit for such a jour- 
ney as lay before them. 

When the old soldier returned from the in- 
terview with Colonel Allen, it was with the 
written authority to take from the stores of 
the captured fort such articles as might be 
needed for himself and his two recruits, and 
he allowed the lads to accompany him while 
making the selection, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 271 

That he knew full well what might be 
needed while on a long march, and at the 
same time could avoid “overloading, ” was 
shown when this or that article of equipment 
had been suggested by the lads, and accepted 
or rejected with reasons which might well be 
understood. 

When Corporal ’Lige had gathered the out- 
fit together, Nathan was not only well con- 
tent, but ready to admit that the selection 
was a wise one, particularly after the old 
man had clad his young recruits in two of 
the king’s uniforms noticeable for elaborate 
trimmings rather than suitable shape. 

Arrayed in a coat of red, with long boots 
coming considerably higher than the knee, 
and breeches of white that hung in folds 
around his legs, Nathan believed he was in 
proper trim to break the news of the sudden 
departure to his mother. He felt certain he 


272 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT, 

looked every inch a soldier, and was ready to 
forgive the corporal for any harsh words, 
because of such an outfit. 

“I’ll go home now, an’ you can count on 
seein’ me in less than two hours,” he said as 
he departed, carrying over his shoulder a 
musket that appeared literally to weigh him 
down. “She’ll be mightily surprised to see 
me rigged like this, an’ won’t have a word to 
say against my goin’.” 

And Nathan kept his word in regard to re- 
turning; but Isaac observed that he did not 
swagger quite as much as when he departed. 

“What did your mother say?” Corporal 
’Lige asked with a certain twinkle of the 
eyes which told that he anticipated the 
answer. 

“She would have it that I looked like a 
fool, an’ said if them as Counted on fightin’ 
against the king was all fixed out like me, 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


273 


we’d make sich an army as never’d been 
seen before.” 

“Perhaps she was right,” and Corporal 
’Lige tightened his belt in order that a cer- 
tain suspicion of a wrinkle might not be seen. 
“Did she make any objection to your goin’ to 
Cambridge?” 

“No, because I told her we’d surely be 
paid reg’lar wages; but I had to promise that 
I’d come back the first day the money wasn’t 
put into my hand.” 

“It ain’t altogether certain you’ll be 
allowed so much voice in the matter as that,” 
Corporal ’Lige replied grimly; “but it can be 
tried, an’ perhaps once tryin’ will be enough 
for you.” 

After Nathan’s return there was nothing t* 
'elay those who would journey to Can 
ridge. 

Colonel Allen had given Corporal ’Lige 


‘274 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

such a letter as would insure him a favorable 
reception, and the sooner the three left the 
fort the better were their chances for a safe 
journey. 

Therefore it was that this addition to the 
colonial forces set out within two hours of 
sunset, Nathan promising to conduct them to 
a most pleasant and convenient camping 
place before the night had fully come, from 
which point they would be able to start next 
morning with the assurance that there was 
but little danger of an attack by those who 
were enemies to the cause of freedom through 
being the king’s devoted servants. 

“There are twenty or more ’round here who 
made a good thing out of sellin’ garden-stuff 
to the king’s soldiers, an’ they don’t think 
very much of this business of bein’ free,’’ 
Nathan explained when he was urging that 
they lose no time in beginning the journey. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 275 

“It may be they’d try to make trouble for 
us; but once we’re a dozen miles from this 
place everything will be all right. If we stay 
in the fort till mornin’, the folks might come 
to hear of what we count on doin’, so the 
quicker we leave the better.’’ 

Corporal ’Lige declared himself in favor of 
departing at the earliest practicable moment, 
and thus it was the three left Ticonderoga 
within two hours of nightfall, with no one to 
take leave of them save Mr. Beman, and he 
addressed the greater portion of his parting 
words to Nathan. 

“Try to remember that you are agreein’ to 
help free the colonies, an’ forget that your 
chief aim in life is to get a shilling,” he said 
when the three set out, ferrying themselves 
across in one of the boats that had been 
seized for the purpose of transporting the 
troops. “It is a noble cause in which you 


276 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

have embarked, and of that you should never 

lose sight.” 

“I’ll stay so long as the wages are paid on 
time,” Nathan replied, and Corporal ’Lige 
indulged in an expressive wink which was 
directed toward Isaac; but that recruit failed 
entirely to understand the meaning of it. 

Nathan was a good guide, as he had pre- 
viously given evidence, and his comrades 
found it necessary to walk at their utmost 
speed in order to keep pace with him as he led 
the way through the forest wherein Master 
Rice failed of seeing the slightest trail. 

The sun was yet half an hour high in the 
heavens when young Beman halted in front 
of a rude shanty standing amid a clump of 
pine trees, so completely hidden from view 
that one ignorant of its location, might have 
passed within a dozen yards and failed of 
seeing it. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 277 

‘‘Here’s where we’ll stay all night,” he 
announced, throwing off the burden he carried 
and giving vent to a sigh of relief. “From 
this place until we are come to Cambridge 
there is nothin’ to fear, an’ we can take mat- 
ters with more of leisure.” 

“Do you count that we’re safe here from 
them who serve the king?” Corporal ’Lige 
asked, surveying the halting place with no 
slight degree of pleasure, for it was fair to 
see, with the stately pines enclosing it as by 
a curtain, and a dancing brook winding past 
the very door of the shanty. 

“If you were as certain of knowin’ all 
about soldierin’ as I am that we’re safe here, 
I allow they’d make you a colonel, at the 
very least, within an hour after we struck 
Cambridge,” Nathan replied confidently, and 
although the corporal’s face crimsoned with 
anger at the pert reply, he held his peace. 


278 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

Isaac, fearing lest his comrades might in- 
dulge in speeches so sharp as to lead to a 
quarrel, set about building a fire that the 
evening meal might be prepared in an appe- 
tizing manner, and urged Nathan to aid him 
in the task. 

The old soldier left the boys thus engaged, 
and after an absence of half an hour returned 
with two partridges and a rabbit, making of 
them a stew so savory while cooking that 
Master Beman unconsciously spoke to him in 
a more respectful fashion while it was thus 
being prepared. 

This halt in the woods where, as he had 
been assured, there was no cause for fear, 
was much to the liking of Isaac Kice, and 
straightway he looked upon the plan of jour- 
neying to Cambridge to join the army with 
more of favor than he had previously felt. 

Even Nathan was impressed by the tran- 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. $79 

quillity of the place, and during the time 
spent in cooking and eating the supper the 
three were on such friendly terms that a 
stranger would have said nothing of an un- 
pleasant nature had ever come between them. 

When supper had been eaten, and his pipe 
of tobacco smoked, the corporal suggested 
that they decide as to the order of standing 
guard, saying by way of explanation: 

“Of course we must keep up somethin’ of 
military order when we make camp, other- 
wise it’ll look as if we were like to make 
poor soldiers, for one who don’t care for 
himself can’t be depended upon to watch 
over others.” 

“What’s the use of puttin’ on so many 
airs?” Nathan asked petulantly. “I tell you 
there ain’t the least little bit of danger here, 
not if every man for a dozen miles about was 
huntin’ after us.” 


280 CORPORAL *LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“I’m ready to take the risk if you are,” 
the corporal replied with the air of one who 
is weary with much wrangling, and straight- 
way he laid down inside the shanty ; but Isaac 
observed that the old man was careful to 
have his musket and ammunition where they 
might be come at handily. 

Master Beman disposed of himself near the 
camp fire, for the night air was chilling, and 
Isaac laid down by the side of the old sol- 
dier. 

There was every reason why the little 
party should speedily give way to slumber, 
and it was to Master Bice as if he had no 
more than stretched himself out at full length 
before he journeyed into dreamland; but 
only to be awakened shortly by a series of 
screams such as seemed to betoken most in- 
tense suffering. 

“What’s the matter?” he cried, springing 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 281 

to his feet in alarm, and before it was possi- 
ble to speak another word Corporal ’Lige’s 
hand was upon his lips. 

“Be quiet, lad,” the old man whispered. 
“Young Beman has learned by this time that 
it might have been well had we kept proper 
guard.” 

“Where is he?” 

“Yonder, in the thicket, I should say by 
the sound of his voice. There must have 
been enemies nigh at hand when we made 
camp, an’ Nathan put himself where they 
could get hold of him without much trou- 
ble.” 

“It’s our duty to help the poor lad,” Isaac 
said hurriedly, seizing his musket and am- 
munition, and he might have run out but 
that the old man prevented him. 

“Wait a bit till we can see how many 
there are against us! You would only be 


282 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

serving the enemy by rushin’ out in that 
fashion. I’ve shut the door, and whoever 
has made the attack must come in front of 
the fire to get at us, which won’t be a safe 
move unless I’ve forgotten how to use this 
old musket.” 

Meanwhile Nathan continued to scream 
loudly for help, and, peering out through the 
crevices of the shanty, Isaac saw first Went- 
worth, then Jones, and, lastly, White — the 
three men who had made them prioners 
when they were sent from Ticonderoga to 
summon Captain Remember Baker. 

“They’ll kill him sure!” the boy whis- 
pered in terror, and then he explained who 
made up the attacking party. “It must bo 
that they have escaped from Captain Baker’s 
men, and, perhaps, sought this very hiding 
place ! We must help Nathan, Corporal ’Lige, 
even at the expense of our own lives.” 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 283 

“That much I’m willin’ to grant you, lad; 
but I’m not countin’ on rushin’ blindly out. 
We’ll wait for a chance when the odds are 
in our favor, which they’re not just now. 

% 

“Can’t we shoot the men down?’’ 

“That’s what I’d like to do, an’ it couldn’t 
be counted as real killin’, seein’s they are 
Tories. If you get a chance when there’s no 
possibility of missin’ the aim, let go; but if 
we shoot at random they’ll take good care, 
after the first shot, to keep out of range.’’ 

It seemed much as if the enemy overheard 
this conversation, for although Isaac kept 
close watch from that instant, he failed to 
see one of the men again, although it was 
certain they remained in the immediate 
vicinity of the shanty, because Nathan. ap- 
pealed for help now and then, in the most 
agonizing tones. 

It was not difficult for an old campaigner 


284 CORPORAL ’LIGE'S RECRUIT, 

like Corporal Watkins to have a very "good 
idea of the situation without asking many 
questions. 

These men who would have carried to 
Crown Point news of Ticonderoga’s capture, 
had escaped from those who should have 
held them close prisoners, and, wholly by 
accident, the three who journeyed toward 
Cambridge had come upon them. 

Save for Nathan’s insistence that a guard 
was wholly unnecessary, the men would not 
have found it such a smiple matter to gain 
revenge; but, seeing a fair opportunity, they 
had, most likely, taken advantage of it, with 
the result that the one member of the party 
who laughed at ordinary precautions for 
safety was a prisoner. 

Perhaps the old soldier was not unwilling 
that Nathan should suffer some little distress 
of mind, for instead of taking immediate 


CORPORAL ’LICE’S RECRUIT. 


285 


steps toward aiding the lad, as seemed to 
Isaac imperative, Corporal ’Lige remained 
near the door on the lookout, as if concerned 
only for his own safety. 

“They’ll kill the poor lad!” Master Rice 
cried, trying in vain to catch a glimpse of 
the attacking party through a crevice in the 
hut. “Can’t you do anything, corporal?’’ 

“He ain’t very near death while it is possi- 
ble for him to yell so loud,” the old soldier 
replied grimly. “I reckon we can serve him 
a good turn later; but jest now it stands us 
in hand to get a fair idee as to how the land 
lays before we take too many chances.” 

. “Help! Help or they’ll murder me!” Na- 
than cried at the full strength of his lungs; 
but yet Corporal ’Lige made no move toward 
answering the appeal until fully fifteen min- 
utes had passed, and the lad’s cries sounded 
more faintly, when he said sharply: 


286 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT, 


“I reckon the Tories have given up the 
idea of gettin’ hold of us, an’ are movin’ 
away. Now has come the time when we 
must make a move!” 

“What shall I do?” and Isaac seized his 
musket as he began to unbar the door. 

“Stay where you are, lad. If I can’t get 
the best of three scurvy Tories who know as 
little about warfare as those fellows appear 
to, then it’s time I gave over tryin’ to play 
the part of a soldier. I’ll go outside, an’ 
you’re to hold on here ready to make a 
break whenever I give the signal.” 

Without further explanations, although it 
seemed to Isaac that more were needed, the 
corporal unbarred the door silently, and dis- 
appeared amid the foliage, for by this time 
it was so dark in the thicket that one could 
not distinguish objects half a dozen feet 
distant. 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 287 

It was not at all to Master Rice’s liking, 
this standing guard alone, with the chance 
that an enemy might pounce upon him at 
any moment; but he could not well do other- 
wise, and after five minutes had elapsed, dur- 
ing which time not the slightest sound was 
heard, he began to fear that the Tories had 
succeeded in dragging Nathan away beyond 
reach of help. 

Then, suddenly, although he had been lis- 
tening for it, came the report of a musket; he 
heard the corporal’s voice, and even while he 
was speaking, the report of a second weapon. 

After that all was still while one might 
have counted fifty, and it seemed to Isaac as 
if each second was of a full minute’s dura- 
tion. 

Then a third report; a loud cry, and imme- 
diately afterward the voice of the old soldier 
as he shouted: 




288 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

“It’s all right, Isaac; I reckon you won’t 
be troubled with Tories again this night.” 

It was necessary for him to wait at least 
five minutes more before the sounds as of a 
heavy body forcing a passage through the 
underbrush came as a most welcome relief, 
and shortly afterward Nathan and Corporal 
’Lige were standing in front of the door. 

When they had been admitted, and Master 
Beman was somewhat recovered from the 
fright into which he had been plunged by his 
sudden and unexpected capture, Isaac heard 
the entire story. 

According to Nathan’s account he had had 
a most thrilling escape from death, and it 
certainly seemed as if a certain portion of his 
story was true. 

It appears that the lad, having laid down 
near the camp fire in the most exposed posi- 
tion, was aroused to find himself in the hands 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 289 

of two men, who seemed bent only on drag- 
ging him a safe distance from the camp. On 
the instant he recognized his captors as 
Jason Wentworth and Ezra Jones — two of the 
three who had been taken prisoners to Sud- 
bury, and it was only natural he should an- 
ticipate the most cruel treatment at their 
hands. He screamed for help, and continued 
to do so even after the men threatened him 
with instant death unless he remained quiet. 

“I made up my mind that I’d be killed any 
how, whether I yelled or not, so kept on, 
thinkin’ perhaps you hadn’t heard me. I 
tell you, Isaac Rice, I had a mighty close 
shave, an’ if it hadn’t been for Corporal 
’Lige, most likely I’d been dead by this time. 
I’m willin’ to say right up and down that he 
comes nigh to bein’ the best soldier I ever 
saw, and from this out I’m ready to dance to 
whatever tune he feels like whistlin’.” 


290 CORPORAL LIGE’S RECRUIT. 

Nathan’s story was finished, and Isaac 
turned toward the corporal asking for his, 
whereupon the old soldier said, with a quiet 
smile: 

“There’s nothin’ much to tell, lad. When I 
went out the three Tories were edgin’ off, 
thinkin’ most likely that this wasn’t a very 
healthy place in which to stay. I put a ball 
through the arm of one, an’ the next villain 
shot at random; but his bullet didn’t come 
within speakin’ distance. After loadin’ the 
musket again, an’ the idjuts stood like scared 
chickens till it was done, I had ’em foul, 
when it was a question of doin’ as I said. 
There wasn’t any sense in our takin’ prison- 
ers, for we’d been forced to carry ’em back 
to Ticonderoga, so I peppered the second 
scoundrel, hittin’ him in the shoulder, I 
reckon, an’ give word for Nathan to be set 
loose. By this time they was ready to obey 


CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT. 


291 


orders, and you can believe every one made 
good time in gettin’ out of range. If it hadn’t 
been so dark I might have worked the game 
a bit different; but as it was, I run some 
chances of doin’ more harm than good.” 

As a rule Corporal ’Lige was not averse to 
sounding his own praises; but now, when he 
had really done a brave deed— for it was no 
trifling matter to venture out in the darkness 
where were three armed men — he appeared 
unwilling to dwell upon the subject, and as 
soon as possible dismissed it by saying: 

“It didn’t amount to enough for us to talk 
about. We’ll stand watch from this out, un- 
less Nathan allows there’s no need of it, an’ 
them as ain’t on duty had better get a little 
sleep.” 

“After this I’ll never say ‘no’ when you 
say ‘yes,’ ” Master Beman replied contritely, 
and certain it is from that hour there was 


292 CORPORAL ’LIGE’S RECRUIT 

never an unpleasant word passed between the 
two; Nathan had become the firmest friend 
and most devoted admirer Corporal ’Lige ever 
had, not even excepting Isaac. 

There is very much which might be told 
about these three, who from this evening be- 
came firm friends and comrades; but the 
time for continuing the tale is not now. 

Some day, perhaps, the reader shall have 
an opportunity of learning what these re- 
cruits did after joining the Continental 
forces, and how far they were favored by 
Ethan Allen. 

The purpose of this story was simply to 
relate the incidents having a direct bearing 
on the capture of Crown Point and Ticon- 
deroga, in which they took part, and, that 
having been done, it only remains to write 


THE END. 


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land 

“Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of ‘ Quentin Durward.’ The lad’s 
journey across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, make up as good a nar- 
rative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment and 
variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself.”— Spectator. 

With Clive in India ; or, the Beginnings of an Empire. By 

G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon 

Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in 
India and the close of his career was critical and eventful in the 
extreme. At its commencement the English were traders existing 
on sufferance of the native princes. At its close they were masters 
of Bengal and >f the greater part of Southern India. The author 
has given a full and accurate account of the events of that stirring 
time, and battles and sieges follow each other in rapid succession, 
while he combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adven- 
ture, which gives a lifelike interest to the volume. 

“ He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance, 
and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself is deeply 
interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the volume.”— 
Scotsman. 

The Lion of the North : A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the 
Wars of Religion. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illus- 
trations by John Schonberg. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story Mr. Hen k y gives the history of the first nart of the 
Thirty Years’ War. The issue had its importance, which has ex- 
tended to the present day, as it established religious freedom 
in Germany. The army of the chivalrous king of Sweden was 
largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of 
the story. 

“The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as boys may be 
trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly fail to be profited.”— Times. 


2 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


The Dragon and the Raven ; or, The Days of King Alfred. By 

G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani- 

land, R.I. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author gives an account of the fierce, struggle 
between Saxon and Dane for su^/emacy in England, and presents 
a vivid picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was 
reduced by the ravages of the sea- wolves. The hero, a young 
Saxon thane, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred. 
He is driven from his home, takes to the sea and resists the Danes 
on their own element, an.d being pursued by them up the Seine, 
is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris. 

“ Treated in a manner most attractive to the boyish reader." — Athenaeum. 

The Young Carthaginian: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. 

By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani- 

land, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Boys reading the history of the Punic Wars have seldom a keen 
appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it was at first a 
struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of 
Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he 
defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannae, 
and all but took Rome, represents pretty nearly the sum total of 
their knowledge. To let them know more about this momentous 
struggle for the empire of the world Mr. Henty has written this 
story, which not only gives in graphic style a brilliant descrip- 
tion of a most interesting period of history, but is a tale of ex- 
citing adventure sure to secure the interest of the reader. 

“ Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays the 
interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a jstream whose current 
varies in direction, but never loses its fore e." Saturday Review. 

In Freedom’s Cause : A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 

12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish 
War of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal 
prowess of Wallace and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical 
heroes of chivalry, and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked 
with these legendary personages. The researches of modern 
historians have shown, however, that he was a living, breathing 
man — and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale fought under 
both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical accuracy 
has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is 
full of “hairbreadth ’scapes” and wild adventure. 

“ It is written in the author’s best style. Full of the wildest arv* recsi. re- 
markable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy, once he ha* 
begun it, will not willingly put on one side .’’— The Schoolmaster. 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


3 


With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil War. By 
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The story of a young Virginian planter, who, after bravely 
proving his sympathy with the slaves of brutal masters, serves 
with n > less courage and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson 
through the most exciting events of the struggle. He has many 
hairbreadth escapes, is seve al times w ounded and twice taken 
prisoner; but his courage and readiness and, in two cases, the 
devoti >n of a black servant and of a runaway slave whom he had 
assisted, bring him safely through all difficulties. 

“ One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The 
picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic incidents are 
skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of the story.”— 
Standard. 

By England’s Aid ; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585- 

1604). By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
Alfred Pearse, and Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

The story of two English lads v\ ho go to Holland as pages in 
the service of one of “ the fighting Veres.” After many adven- 
tures by sea and land, one of the lads finds himself on board a 
Spanish ship at the time of the defeat of the Armada, and escapes 
only to fall iivo the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful in 
getting back to S ain under the protection of a wealthy merchant, 
and regains his native country afte the capture of Cadiz. 

“ It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring inci- 
dent and exciting adventure, and the color of the ei’a and of the scene are 
finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its attractiveness .”— Boston 
Gazette. 

By Right of Conquest ; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. 

Henty. With full-page Illustrations by W. S. Stacey, and 

Two Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.50. 

The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under 
the magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked 
among the most romantic and daring exploits in history. With 
this as the groundwork of his story Mr. Hentv has interwoven the 
adventures of an English youth, Roger Hawkshaw, the sole sur- 
vivor of the good ship Swan, which had sailed from a Devon port 
to challenge the mercantile supremacy o the Spaniards in the 
New World. He is beset by many perils among the natives, but 
is saved bv his own judgment and strength, and by the devotion 
of an Aztec princess. At last by a ruse he obtains the protection 
of the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico h“ succeeds in re- 
gaining his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec 
bride. 

“ ‘ By Right of Conquest 1 is the nearest approach to a perfectly successful 
historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet published.”— Academy. . 


4 


A. L. BURT’S PUBLICATIONS. 


In the Reign of Terror : The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. 
By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by J. Schon 
BERG. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

Harry Sand with, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the 
chateau of a French marquis, and afDr various adventures accom- 
panies the family to Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Im- 
prisonment and death reduce their number, and the hero finds 
himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the 
house in his charge. After hairbreadth escapes they reach Nan- 
tes. There the girls are condemned to death in the coffin-ships, 
but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy protector. 

“ Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr. ^ 
Henty ’s record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and peril 
they depict. . . . The story is one of Mr. Henty’s best. 1 ’— Saturday 
Review. 

With Wolfe in Canada ; or, The Winning of a Continent. By 
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an account of the strug- 
gle between Britain and France for supremacy in the North 
American continent. On the issue of this war depended not only 
the destinies of North America, but to a large extent those of the 
mother countries themselves. The fall of Quebec decided that 
the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; 
that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the 
nations of Europe; and that English and American commerce, the 
English language, and English literature, should spread right 
round the globe. 

“ It is not only a lesson in history as instructively as it is graphically told, 
but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale of adventure and peril by 
flood and field ."—Illustrated London News. 

True to the Old Flag; A Tale of the American War of Inde- 
pendence. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 

In this story the author has gone to the accounts of officers who 
took part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which 
American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave 
with greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of 
the book being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures 
with the redskins on the shores of Lake Huron, a story of exciting 
interest is interwoven with the general narrative and carried 
through the book. 

“ Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers during 
the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The son of an 
American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile red- 
skins in that very Huron country which has been endeared to us by the ex- 
ploits of Hawkey© and Chingachgook ’ The Times. 




























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